STEPHEN JOSEPH is professor of psychology, health and social care at the University of Nottingham, UK, where he is co-director of the Centre for Trauma, Resilience and Growth and an honorary consultant psychologist in psychotherapy. He has published more than two hundred academic papers and seven academic books, and is often asked to comment in the media on topical events relating to his work.

WHEN STUFF HAPPENS
The New Psychology of Living with Change

For the past 20 years, Stephen Joseph has worked with survivors of trauma, most notably those of the 1987 Herald of Free Enterprise ferry disaster. During this time he and his colleagues have made a startling discovery. Hundreds of studies show that a wide range of events – from illnesses, divorce, separation, assault and bereavement to accidents, natural disasters and terrorism – can act as a catalyst for positive change.

Anywhere from 30 to 90 per cent of people confronted by tragedy, horror and adversity emerge wiser, more mature and more fulfilled, sometimes despite great sadness. Relationships become stronger. Perspectives on life change. Inner strengths are found. In fact many psychologists, psychiatrists and counsellors are no longer even viewing post-traumatic stress disorder as an illness. Rather, they believe, the emotional experiences of people recovering from adversity are the mind’s way of dealing with profound existential issues.

In WHEN STUFF HAPPENS, Stephen Joseph argues that such people have much to teach the rest of us. In learning how survivors of major disasters can be transformed by their experience, he has discovered that the lessons are valuable to us all. Indeed his work indicates that we all have an innate ability for such growth.

Drawing on the wisdom of ancient philosophers, the insights of evolutionary biologists and the optimism of positive psychologists, he presents the first robust framework for understanding the mental steps involved in growth following adversity (his unique ‘THRIVE’ model); explores its implications for individuals and society, ranging from our attitude to happiness to our treatment of Iraqi war veterans; and reveals how all of us can navigate change – traumatic or otherwise – to find new meaning, purpose and direction in life.

Publisher: Little, Brown (UK)/Basic (US)
Delivery: 1 March 2010
Publication: Spring 2011
Status: Proposal and sample writing
Length: 80,000–90,000 words

All rights available excluding:
UK & Commonwealth, US, Netherlands (Archipel)