Overcoming Victimhood: A Case Study on the Extended Traumatic Effects of a Holocaust Childhood


 

Publication Date: January 2006

Publisher: Jewish Communal Service Association of North America

Author(s): Sara Botwinick

Research Area: Culture and religion; Population and demographics

Keywords: Healing; Memory; Elderly

Type: Report

Abstract:

Based on the textual analysis of an in-depth interview, this article looks at a child survivor's struggle with the compounded effects of childhood and Holocaust trauma as she approaches old age. Whereas this survivor was highly functional during midlife, she is in danger of being depleted of internal and external sources of nurturance at this stage in her life. To overcome her victimization, a treatment strategy is developed to rekindle her resilience and facilitate her exploration of her religious roots in conjunction with her emotional ties to her father.