An exploration of women’s lived experiences of event centrality resulting from childhood trauma – an existential perspective

Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the lived experience of Event Centrality, being when an event becomes central to identity, of women who have experienced trauma in childhood. A systematic review of literature demonstrates a lack of qualitative research in the field. The study aimed to provide qualitative insight into the lived experience of Event Centrality. Following a narrative literature review of existential literature on trauma, the study explored Event Centrality through an existential lens, specifically within the framework of Eventual Hermeneutics; there is currently has no supporting research for this approach. Method: Participants (N= 8), all female, and residing in the UK, aged 24–45 years old, completed the Adverse Childhood Events and Centrality of Events Scales. This was then followed up with semi-structured interviews on their experiences of Event Centrality resulting from childhood trauma. Data were analogised using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Five themes emerged from the data: self-identity, self and others, making sense, constraints and possibilities, and distress and growth. The combined results offered insight into the experience of Event Centrality resulting from childhood trauma from the perspective of the participants. Conclusion: The findings supported Event Centrality research on the effects of trauma becoming central to identity and existential theories on the impact of trauma. They provide relevance to clinical interventions for the sample population, counselling psychology, and social policy. Furthermore, they add to existing literature on Event Centrality and existential theories.