Extra Lives

Abstract

This chapter discusses the importance of stories in portraying factors of resilience in overcoming posttraumatic reactions that may result from the experience of potential trauma events. Video games, especially, offer the opportunity to explore our own sense of resilience through the lens of interactive fictional characters. This chapter examines posttraumatic reactions and potential trauma events as well as discusses the differences between typical posttraumatic reactions versus long-term pathology resulting from potential trauma events. Resilience and vulnerability to long-term posttraumatic effects are also discussed, highlighting various pre-event, peri-event, and post-event factors. The chapter concludes by outlining the interrelated nature of meaning-making and posttraumatic growth and how they may aid in resilience and growth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)