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Faculty of Graduate Studies

Kavi Gandhi

BCOM (University of British Columbia, 2022)
Notice of the Final Oral Examination for the Degree of Master of Arts

Topic

Fostering Growth after Adversity: Recovery-Based Messaging Promoting Posttraumatic Growth for Survivors of Sexualized Assault

Counselling Psychology

Date & location

  • Tuesday, July 22, 2025
  • 2:00 P.M.
  • Virtual Defence

Examining Committee

Supervisory Committee

  • Dr. Jon Woodend, Faculty of Health, ßÉßɱ¬ÁÏ (Supervisor)
  • Dr. Julia O’Loughlin, Faculty of Health, UVic (Member)

External Examiner

  • Dr. Sonya Flessati, Counsellor, Wellness Services, Mount Royal University

Chair of Oral Examination

  • Dr. Megan Ames, Department of Psychology, UVic

Abstract

Sexualized assault (SA) is an increasingly concerning issue in Canada effecting up to one-fourth of university students. The concept of posttraumatic growth (PTG) has gained attention as a pathway for survivors of SA not just to recover but to work to create positive psychological changes after trauma. Existing research has not examined how PTG can be conveyed through recovery-based messaging (RBM) and has not considered survivor input for creating RBM. Thus, this qualitative study sought to explore the perspectives of current and past university students, who have survived SA, and who are in the later stages of recovery, to develop considerations for RBM tailored to promote PTG (RBMxPTG). A total of eight themes were constructed from interviews with survivors. Growth Within Reality emphasizes acknowledging survivors’ pain while offering grounded hope for growth. Building a Long-Term Toolbox highlights the value of survivors developing practical tools for ongoing recovery. Communities with Open Arms stresses the importance of support systems that welcome survivors without implying deficiency. Language That Meets Survivors Where They Are At focuses on memorable, guiding language that supports recovery. Clearing the Way for All People calls for inclusive messaging that avoids reinforcing stereotypes or placing expectations on survivors. Choosing the Pathways of Recovery promotes presenting diverse recovery options, supporting survivor choice. Normalizing the Ongoing Recovery Process frames recovery as a continuous journey, not a fixed endpoint. Education That Affirms encourages messaging that clarifies what SA can include and validates survivor responses to reduce self-blame. Potential implications of this study are that the findings support the initiation of a body of literature that integrates PTG with RBM, providing survivors with the opportunity to contribute to the development of RBMxPTG.

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