The groundbreaking research by UNC Charlotte psychologists Richard Tedeschi and Lawrence Calhoun continues to influence other researchers and to help people navigate contemporary challenges, such as terrorism, natural disasters, deaths and other crises.
Tedeschi and Calhoun identified a concept they called Posttraumatic Growth, used to characterize “positive change experienced as a result of the struggle with a major life crisis or a traumatic event.” They and colleagues with the Posttraumatic Growth Research Group explore the relationship between PTG and resilience and other related concepts.
They have published widely on the topic, including books, articles, papers and conference presentations. Their work has been featured by the media, including:
- WFAE Charlotte Talks
- The Presbyterian Outlook
- Juvenile Justice Information Exchange
- Yes! Magazine
- ABC News
- Journal of Emergency Medical Services
- MarieClaire
- Forbes
- NBC News
- Military Times
- FireEngineering
- Reuters
- The New York Times
- The Washington Post
- The Washington Post (a second article)
- Huffington Post
- Scientific American
- Stars and Stripes
- Forbes
- The Wall Street Journal
- TIME
- The Stewardship Report
- Fire Engineering magazine
Lawrence G. Calhoun lived his formative years in Brazil, came to the US to attend college, and has remained here since. He earned degrees from St. Andrews Presbyterian College, Xavier University, and the Ph.D. in clinical psychology from the University of Georgia. A licensed psychologist, he has maintained a part-time clinical practice for many years. Together with Richard Tedeschi he is one of the pioneers in the research and theory on posttraumatic growth. With his colleague Richard G. Tedeschi, he has published books on posttraumatic growth, an area of research that they have developed that examines personal transformations in the aftermath of traumatic life events. Their most recent book is Posttraumatic Growth: Theory, Research, and Applications (2018). He is a recipient of the Bank of America Award for Teaching Excellence, The University of North Carolina Board of Governor’s Award for Teaching Excellence, and of the First Citizens Bank Scholar’s Medal (with Richard Tedeschi). Although he is no longer engaged in classroom teaching, he continues his research work and he continues to mentor doctoral students.
Richard G. Tedeschi received his B.A. in Psychology from Syracuse University, his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Ohio University, and completed his Clinical Psychology Internship at The University of North Carolina School of Medicine. Dr. Tedeschi is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and serves as Graduate Coordinator for the MA Psychology program. He is a Licensed Psychologist specializing in bereavement and trauma. With his colleague Lawrence Calhoun, he has published books on posttraumatic growth, an area of research that they have developed that examines personal transformations in the aftermath of traumatic life events. Their most recent book is Posttraumatic Growth: Theory, Research, and Applications (2018). Dr. Tedeschi serves as a consultant to the American Psychological Association on trauma and resilience, and as a subject matter expert for the US Army’s Comprehensive Soldier Fitness Program. He is a recipient of the Mary G. Clarke Award for Distinguished Service to Psychology given by the North Carolina Psychological Association, and is a past president of NCPA.
