“I’m Still Breathing, I’m Still Alive”: Trauma, Resilience, and Communicated Narrative Sense-Making Among Former Foster Youth

Grounded in communicated narrative sense-making (CNSM) theory and communication theory of resilience (CTR), the current study analyzed the storied accounts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) from former foster youth (n = 15). Findings revealed that former foster youth tell stories centering on survival, particularly surviving abuse and neglect and surviving the disruption of home. These stories were anchored in CTR’s resilience-building strategies of putting alternative logics to work and affirming identity anchors. These findings advance narrative and resilience theorizing by illuminating how former foster youth narratively construct resilience amidst childhood trauma. Based on these findings, we offer pathways toward trauma-informed CTR research and narrative-based interventions for those coping with trauma, including attuning to the unique relational needs of those with attachment trauma.