Extension specialist co-authors new book

Linda Skogrand, Utah State University Extension family life specialist, is co-author of the recently released book “Surviving and Transcending a Traumatic Childhood: The Dark Thread.” Other authors are Nikki DeFrain, researcher, Lincoln, Neb.; John DeFrain, Extension family and community development specialist, University of Nebraska; and Jean E. Jones, marketing director, Concordia University. Skogrand said the book has been three years in the making and includes 90 stories of survival to create a silver lining of hope for those struggling to heal from childhood trauma. “We aimed for a sample of at least 100 people who believed they had not only survived but transcended a traumatic childhood, growing into relatively happy, emotionally healthy adults,” Skogrand said. “After considerable effort, we were pleased to have collected completed, comprehensible questionnaires from 90 adults. The vast majority of these participants believe they have transcended their childhood trauma. We personally and professionally agree with the majority of these people, based upon our reading of 23 to 46 pages of written testimony from each. Many wrote much more.” The stories told in “Surviving and Transcending a Traumatic Childhood: The Dark Thread” explore when the trauma began, common feelings associated with trauma, the usefulness of therapy and support groups, getting married, escaping abuse, the role of religion and spirituality, significant people who provided help, types of homes where abuse occurred, the positive effects of surviving trauma, and school life and patterns of survival. The book also includes a list of resources to help those in the process of transcending trauma and a self-study guide for developing a deeper understanding of the healing process. “Conventional wisdom in our society holds that individuals who are scarred early in life cannot be healthy as adults and, in fact, pass the effects of these experiences down to the next generation,” said Skogrand. “Research sheds new light on this belief. This book is about hope for those who feel life is hopeless. It has been written for those who experienced a traumatic childhood and want to learn from others how to become healthy. It is also written for friends, family and people in the helping professions who offer support, encouragement and a listening ear to those who have experienced trauma as a child.” “(The book) will break your heart and fill you with hope,” said book reviewer Rev. Corinne Thul from the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Logan. “Bold and resilient women and men have shared their stories of surviving and transcending traumatic childhoods with courage and generosity. The authors present these stories with respect and obvious admiration, their analysis and presentation make this most difficult topic accessible. We owe a debt of gratitude to all who contributed to this work.” This book focuses on the triumphs of rising above difficulties rather than focusing on the dysfunction that can result, said Skogrand. The “dark thread” of trauma will always be there, but it does not have to control one’s life. The book is about the strengths that people draw upon to transcend what happened to them. “Surviving and Transcending a Traumatic Childhood: The Dark Thread” is available through The Haworth Press, Inc., at 1-800-HAWORTH, or orders@HaworthPress.com.