Trauma Theory and Process
Trauma Theory and Process
Paul Gendreau
New England College
Abstract
This paper will review trauma-related events, theory and process and the impact this has upon stabilization, treatment and planning for care. This form of counseling must be developmentally and culturally appropriate as well as individualized. Effective intervention can prevent post-traumatic stress syndrome and assist normal mourning processes associated with any losses experienced. These prevention activities are also discussed. Some people may need resources beyond those that the school can provide, and appropriate referrals can link children and adults to a variety of treatments such as psychotherapy and medication, also briefly outlined. (Wiley, 2009).
An individual 's reaction to emotional trauma is complex and difficult to predict. A person 's age, past exposure to trauma, social support, culture, family psychiatric history and general emotional functioning are some of the variables related to individual response to trauma (McFarlane & Yehuda, 1996). In addition, the emotional and physical proximity to actual danger, degree of perceived personal control, the length of exposure to trauma, the reaction of others to the trauma, and the source of the trauma, (e.g., natural disaster, abuse from parent, abuse from stranger, random personal violence, combat, terrorist act), also impact an individual 's reaction to trauma (McFarlane & de Girolamo, 1996).
Some people are able to cope with resiliency in the face of stress and their ability to cope with traumatic events have been observed to be creative and flexible. In contrast, traumatic events become a negative and defining point in one’s life which in turn marks the beginning of emotional distress and negative behavior patterns. Following the exposure to a traumatic event, many individuals can experience temporary preoccupation and recurring, intrusive memories. Horowitz (1978) has
Paul Gendreau
New England College
Abstract
This paper will review trauma-related events, theory and process and the impact this has upon stabilization, treatment and planning for care. This form of counseling must be developmentally and culturally appropriate as well as individualized. Effective intervention can prevent post-traumatic stress syndrome and assist normal mourning processes associated with any losses experienced. These prevention activities are also discussed. Some people may need resources beyond those that the school can provide, and appropriate referrals can link children and adults to a variety of treatments such as psychotherapy and medication, also briefly outlined. (Wiley, 2009).
An individual 's reaction to emotional trauma is complex and difficult to predict. A person 's age, past exposure to trauma, social support, culture, family psychiatric history and general emotional functioning are some of the variables related to individual response to trauma (McFarlane & Yehuda, 1996). In addition, the emotional and physical proximity to actual danger, degree of perceived personal control, the length of exposure to trauma, the reaction of others to the trauma, and the source of the trauma, (e.g., natural disaster, abuse from parent, abuse from stranger, random personal violence, combat, terrorist act), also impact an individual 's reaction to trauma (McFarlane & de Girolamo, 1996).
Some people are able to cope with resiliency in the face of stress and their ability to cope with traumatic events have been observed to be creative and flexible. In contrast, traumatic events become a negative and defining point in one’s life which in turn marks the beginning of emotional distress and negative behavior patterns. Following the exposure to a traumatic event, many individuals can experience temporary preoccupation and recurring, intrusive memories. Horowitz (1978) has
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