Kader Gumus, a 2025 graduate of Antioch’s PhD in Leadership and Change program, has written and published a dissertation titled, Journey to Well-Being: An Exploration of Thrivership Post-Domestic Violence.
While most existing literature on domestic violence survivorship addresses the immediate aftermath of domestic violence, Gumus’ research delves into the extended process following the trauma of abuse to attain “thrivership,” a new concept in the scholarly and practice literature that emphasizes enduring well-being and flourishing.
This dissertation examines the journeys of 13 women who achieved well-being after traumatic domestic violence. Employing a qualitative phenomenological approach with a novel analysis technique called exploratory situational thematic analysis, this study explored the essential, interconnected elements at the micro, meso, and macro levels that facilitated thriving for survivors of domestic violence. Incorporating Tedeschi’s concept of post-traumatic growth, the study emphasized the positive psychological changes that can occur as a result of struggling with and overcoming highly challenging life circumstances. This research underscores the pivotal role of post-traumatic growth and the long-term nature of the process in survivorship. The findings point to the need for comprehensive, trauma-informed, survivor-centered support systems that promote sustained well-being and empowerment.
A passionate public advocate for domestic violence survivors, Gumus has made significant contributions to community well-being and survivor-centered services in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Since 2019, she has served as an appointed member of the Fairfax County Council to End Domestic Violence (CEDV) in Virginia and as an honorary council member with The Women’s Center, a nonprofit organization providing mental health support services in Virginia. A frequent public speaker, she addresses critical topics such as domestic violence, trauma and recovery, post-traumatic growth, and women’s leadership, inspiring diverse audiences through her expertise and personal experiences.
Reader Gumus’ dissertation, Journey to Well-Being: An Exploration of Thrivership Post-Domestic Violence, here.
