PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA Meaning and
Definition
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Psychological trauma refers to the emotional and psychological response to an overwhelmingly distressing or disturbing event or experience that exceeds an individual's capacity to cope effectively. It is commonly associated with a deeply distressing or life-threatening event that creates a lasting impact on an individual's mental and emotional well-being.
Psychological trauma can result from a wide range of events, including natural disasters, accidents, physical or sexual abuse, war, terrorism, or witnessing violent acts. The individual perceives the traumatic event as threatening their safety or integrity, leading to intense fear, helplessness, or horror. The level of trauma experienced can vary among individuals, as it is influenced by factors such as the individual's resilience, support system, and past experiences.
The impact of psychological trauma can be long-lasting and disruptive to various areas of an individual's life, affecting their thought patterns, emotions, behavior, and overall quality of life. Common symptoms of psychological trauma include intrusive thoughts or memories, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the traumatic event, hypervigilance, difficulty concentrating, emotional numbness, irritability, and sleep disturbances.
Professional assistance, such as therapy or counseling, is often recommended to address psychological trauma effectively. Therapeutic approaches may include trauma-focused therapies, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and other evidence-based interventions to help individuals process and cope with the traumatic experience, build resilience, and restore their mental and emotional well-being.
Etymology of PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
The word "psychological" originated from the Greek word "psyche", which means "soul" or "mind". It encompasses the study of the mind, mental processes, and behavior. The term "trauma" comes from the Greek word "trauma", meaning "wound" or "injury".
The etymology of "psychological trauma" combines both terms. "Psychological trauma" refers to the mental and emotional distress caused by experiencing or witnessing an extremely distressing event, typically one that threatens a person's physical or psychological well-being. The term emphasizes the psychological impact and injury caused by these traumatic events.
