Catastrophic Grief, Trauma, and Resilience in Child Concentration Camp Survivors: A Retrospective View of Their Holocaust Experiences - Paperback

by Tracey Rori Farber (Author), Gillian Eagle (Author), Cora Smith (Author)

Nine child concentration camp survivors were interviewed in their old age, evidencing enduring effects related to their traumatic experiences. All participants retained vivid recollections of internment and experienced catastrophic grief in relation to loss of parents and siblings. While resilience was evident, negotiation of life meaning was shaped by Holocaust-related memories and existential loneliness in old age.

Author Biography

Tracey Farber worked full time as a clinical psychologist, supervisor, and trainer in private practice for 24 years in Johannesburg, where she specialized in treating traumatized adults, adolescents and children. After completing her PhD in 2019, she moved to Israel. At present she works as a clinical psychologist at Psychological Services, Student Success Centre, Tel Aviv University, and as a psychotherapist in private practice in Tel Aviv. She developed a psychoeducational program called "Understanding Trauma and Building Resilience" that was developed from her PhD research. This program has been taught to mental health workers, students, teachers, and parents as well as employees and managers.

Gill Eagle is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand. She lectures primarily on the master's program in Clinical Psychology and is also a core member of the doctoral team overseeing research work. Her research interests lie in the field of psychosocial studies, with a particular focus on traumatic stress and gender and issues. She runs a small private practice, working primarily within a relational psychoanalytic psychotherapy framework.

Cora Smith is Adjunct Professor in the Division of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of the Witwatersrand. She also holds a joint appointment post as the Chief Clinical Psychologist at the Child, Adolescent and Family Unit at Johannesburg Hospital. Her interests are in the development of personality pathology through the life cycle with a particular focus on attachment. She has a keen interest in the ethical dilemmas that emerge in clinical practice.