Facing Life's Challenges

We were recently reminded that following the destruction at the World Trade Center in New York on Sept 11, 2001, the world in general seemed to be a more dangerous place. Buildings once thought to be indestructible were assaulted and along with them, countless lives were lost. Trauma of such magnitude threatened to take away many Americans’ sense of freedom and security. It was not just the buildings that were destroyed, but for many, these events created a need to rebuild some core beliefs and assumptions about life.

In recent years, studies have demonstrated that life crises or traumatic events, including a diagnosis of a life-threatening illness such as cancer, can challenge or even shatter the fundamental cognitive assumptions or core beliefs comprising the worldview of the survivor. Ronnie Janoff–Bulman‚ PhD‚ a social cognitive researcher theorizes that the degree to which this occurs often depends upon the magnitude of the trauma. Core beliefs, assumptions, or schemas are mental organizations of experiences that assist people in processing information and organizing behavior. The sense of how things “should be” or how they “ought to happen” in our world allows for an ability to live each day without having to consciously examine or deliberate about every detail. The beliefs or assumptions that people rely upon are largely unquestioned and unchallenged until a trauma occurs.

Research of traumatic events yields insight into some of the basic assumptions that are often assaulted at the time of a crisis. People tend to believe the world is benevolent, it is a good place, and misfortune and negative outcomes are unlikely. A second assumption includes the belief that people are basically benevolent, good, kind and caring.

We also believe that the events that take place in our world have meaning, and that good outcomes will outweigh bad outcomes. When faced with the question of why an event happened to one person and not another, we tend to believe that personal control of outcomes is also closely associated with people’s behavior. Engaging in behaviors that are cautious, proper, careful or appropriate are assumed to protect us from negative or traumatic outcomes. If we assume that we are good and cautious people, the world becomes challenging to understand when difficult or stressful events occur.

Closely associated is the concept of justice. According to Lerner’s “just-world theory,” humans tend to believe that events do not just randomly occur... people tend to get what they deserve. Positive events or experiences are viewed as rewarding for those who are good and worthy. People who perceive themselves to be moral, decent individuals would view themselves to be deserving of good outcomes and less likely subject to negative outcomes. In this light, negative events are not likely to occur unless punishment is warranted.

Operating under the illusion of invulnerability, people generally tend to underestimate the likelihood of experiencing misfortune or tragedy. We recognize that bad things happen, and sometimes even to good people. Yet on an unconscious level, people often choose to believe that they will not be the victim of criminal acts, natural disasters, or life-threatening illness.

Spirituality and religious faith are also integral aspects in the lives of many. For most people, religion is primarily a way of thinking and a lens through which the world is viewed. One’s divine worth, sense of belonging, potential, purpose, and spiritual connection to God are also addressed through each person’s particular religious worldview. Those with strong religious beliefs often rely on faith to help them understand or find meaning during a crisis.

Research has shown that a life crisis or traumatic event such as a diagnosis of cancer can disrupt or even shatter basic beliefs and assumptions about one’s identify‚ safety and invulnerability. It pushes us beyond our limits and deeply challenges core beliefs and assumptions about one’s self, the world and the meaning of life. It can also lead to questioning the nature and power of God, or the relationship between God and mankind. Such questions can lead to disillusionment, anger, or confusion about previously held assumptions and beliefs. When that which occurs is contradictory or inconsistent with our core beliefs, our deeply held assumptions that previously brought us a sense of stability, security, safety and optimism are sometimes called into question. When this occurs, the illusion of invulnerability no longer serves to protect us.

More than a million Americans are diagnosed with cancer each year. This is often accompanied by a psychological, philosophical and spiritual crisis that fosters new assumptions about one’s self, our world and our value. As a result, the world may no longer be perceived as benevolent and meaningful -- the sense of self is also threatened. The questioning process that sometimes follows such trauma can be considered a crisis of faith or a turning point in life that results in a need to reconstruct one’s core belief system.

Just as American’s sought to define a new normal following the attacks of 9/11, when facing the diagnosis of a life-threatening illness, one often finds their core beliefs challenged, shattered and in need of reconstruction. In the midst of an intense period of personal and spiritual questioning, the prospect of giving up our present sense of reality along with our current ideas and perspectives often surfaces. Fortunately, the process can lead to personal growth and a changed sense of self, greater meaning and expanded purpose.

Psychologists Richard G. Tedeschi‚ PhD‚ and Lawrence G. Calhoun‚ PhD‚ in 1995‚ coined the term post-traumatic growth, addressing the positive psychological changes that result from the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances. The person’s ability to adapt is challenged when they are forced to reconsider their understanding of the world and their place in it. They do not simply return to who they were prior to the period of suffering. Rather they experience profound growth and personal transformation even in the midst of substantial distress.

It has been my privilege to be invited, on different levels, into the crucible of pain and confusion which follows the diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses, the sudden dissolution of a significant relationship, tragic accidents, sexual abuse, or the unexpected death of a loved-one or child. As a result, many have faced threats to some of their core beliefs and assumptions about life and its meaning. Although ancient societies and most religions speak about the transforming role of suffering, many of us have not adequately prepared, nor have we embraced suffering with it’s potential to bring us into a deeper understanding of our world and ourselves.

When we are left with more questions than answers, it is time to reexamine our beliefs and priorities. We can dig deeper within ourselves to explore what makes us and our world tick. We can become better people. Although uncomfortable, it can be a time to seek out others who have walked in the shoes of pain and uncertainty. During times of pain or loss, many composers, poets, and artists have performed their greatest work.

Gold is refined by fire and our suffering may cause us to think about things we would not otherwise consider. The benefits can far exceed physical recovery. The very need to heal can lead to transcendence. With or without a cure‚ the presence of cancer may offer an opportunity for healing and positive transformation through profound personal growth.