The literature review is an important part of any research paper. It allows the researcher to gain an understanding of the current state of knowledge in the field and identify any gaps in the literature. It is also an opportunity to offer criticism of the existing research and propose new directions for future research. In this paper, I will undertake a freestyle literature review of the current research in psychology. Specifically, I will be examining the research related to the psychological effects of trauma and how it affects an individual’s development. I will look at the study from a theoretical and an empirical point of view.
Trauma profoundly affects an individual’s psychological development, which can be positive and negative, depending on the individual’s ability to cope with the trauma.
The Impact of Trauma on Psychological Development
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience with long-lasting psychological effects (Ph.D. & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). Various life events, such as abuse, neglect, violence, natural disasters, or war, can cause it. The psychological effects of trauma can be both immediate and long-term. In the short term, trauma can lead to feelings of fear, anxiety, and depression. In the long term, it can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, and other mental health issues.
Numerous theories attempt to explain the psychological effects of trauma on an individual’s development. One of the most widely accepted theories is the biopsychosocial model, which suggests that trauma can profoundly affect an individual’s physical, psychological, and social development (Ayre & Krishnamoorthy, 2021). According to this model, the physical effects of trauma can be seen in the body’s physiological responses, such as increased heart rate and sweating. The psychological effects can be seen in the individual’s thoughts, emotions, and behavior. Lastly, the social effects can be seen in the individual’s relationships with family, friends, and the wider community.
Moreover, the attachment theory suggests that individuals who have experienced trauma in childhood may have difficulty forming secure attachments with others (Ayre & Krishnamoorthy, 2021). The cognitive-behavioral theory suggests that individuals who have experienced trauma may have difficulty regulating their emotions and behavior. Finally, the psychodynamic theory proposes that trauma can lead to the development of unconscious defense mechanisms, such as repression and denial.
In addition to the theories discussed above, numerous other theories attempt to explain the psychological effects of trauma. For example, the self-psychology theory contends that trauma can lead to a distorted sense of self and a decreased ability to regulate emotions (Ph.D. & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). The object-relations theory suggests that trauma can lead to difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships with others. The transpersonal psychology theory proposes that trauma can lead to a disconnection from the self and a decreased sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Research has also shown that the psychological effects of trauma can vary depending on the individual’s gender, culture, and socioeconomic status (Ph.D. & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). For example, research has shown that women are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and PTSD after a traumatic event than men. Research has also shown that individuals from low-income backgrounds are more likely to experience negative psychological effects than those from higher-income backgrounds. Additionally, research has shown that individuals from minority ethnic groups are more likely to experience negative psychological effects than those from majority ethnic groups.
Coping Strategies
The literature also suggests that certain factors can affect an individual’s ability to cope with the psychological effects of trauma. For example, research has shown that having a strong support system can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma (Gordon, 2019). Similarly, it has also been stated that having access to mental health services can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma (Gordon, 2019). Finally, research has shown that having a sense of meaning and purpose in life can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma.
In addition to the theories and factors discussed above, numerous other factors can influence an individual’s psychological development following a traumatic experience. For example, according to research, having a positive attitude toward a traumatic event can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma (Gordon, 2019). Additionally, having a sense of control over one’s life can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma. Similarly, a sense of hope and optimism can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma.
Furthermore, research has revealed that certain coping strategies can benefit individuals who have experienced trauma. For example, mindfulness-based therapies, such as meditation and yoga, can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma. Moreover, cognitive-behavioral therapy can help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. Narrative therapy can help individuals make sense of their traumatic experiences and create a more positive narrative (Rance, 2021).
In addition, research revealed that the psychological effects of trauma could be mitigated through social support networks. For example, having a supportive family can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma (Rance, 2021). Similarly, having close friends who are willing to listen and offer support can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma. Finally, having access to community resources, such as support groups and counseling services, can help an individual cope with the psychological effects of trauma.
Role of Resiliency in mitigating the psychological effects of trauma.
Resiliency can be a key factor in mitigating the psychological effects of trauma and should be taken into account when studying the psychological effects of trauma (Fisher et al., 2019). Research has shown that individuals with high levels of Resiliency are better able to recover from a traumatic event and are more likely to develop positive coping strategies. Furthermore, research has revealed that certain protective factors, such as positive self-perception, strong problem-solving skills, and a supportive social network, can help increase an individual’s Resiliency. Additionally, Resiliency can be developed through interventions such as cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapies, which can help an individual process the traumatic event and better understand their experience (Fisher et al., 2019). Thus, it is important to consider the role of Resiliency when studying the psychological effects of trauma to understand the individual’s experience better and identify the most effective methods for mitigating the psychological effects of trauma.
Conflicts in the literature
The research on the psychological effects of trauma is ongoing, and there is still much to be learned. One of the main conflicts in the literature is the lack of consensus on the best approach for treating trauma. For example, some studies suggest that cognitive-behavioral therapies are the most effective approach for treating trauma, while others suggest that mindfulness-based therapies are more effective (Wycoff & Franzese, 2019). Additionally, there is a lack of research on the psychological effects of trauma in certain populations, such as individuals from minority ethnic groups or low-income backgrounds. Furthermore, there is a lack of research on the effects of trauma in different cultural contexts, as most of the research has been conducted in Western cultures.
Overlooked angles have yet to receive due attention in the field.
One of the angles which have not received due attention in the field is the role of resilience in helping individuals cope with the psychological effects of trauma. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and cope with difficult situations (Gordon, 2019). Studies have shown that individuals with a strong sense of resilience are more likely to cope with the psychological effects of trauma. However, research on the role of resilience in helping individuals cope with trauma is still in its early stages, and more research is needed. Additionally, there is a lack of research on the effects of trauma in different cultural contexts, as most of the research has been conducted in Western cultures.
Cultural perspectives.
It is important to consider cultural perspectives when discussing the psychological effects of trauma, as different cultures may have different ways of coping with traumatic experiences (Ph.D. & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). For example, some cultures may emphasize the importance of family and community in helping individuals cope with trauma. In comparison, others may place a greater emphasis on individual resilience. Furthermore, different cultures may have different attitudes toward mental health and trauma, affecting how individuals cope with traumatic experiences. Additionally, different cultures may have different views on the acceptability of certain coping strategies, such as medication or psychotherapy. Therefore, it is important to consider cultural perspectives when discussing the psychological effects of trauma.
Finally, it is important to consider the cultural implications of trauma and its effects on psychological development. Research has shown that individuals from certain cultural backgrounds may experience greater psychological distress following a traumatic event due to different cultural beliefs and customs (Ph.D. & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). For example, research has shown that individuals from collectivist cultures, such as those in East Asian countries, are more likely to experience guilt and shame following a traumatic event due to the emphasis placed on group harmony and the avoidance of shame. Additionally, research has revealed that individuals from Indigenous cultures may experience greater psychological distress due to losing cultural identity, language, and connection to the land following a traumatic event. As such, it is important to consider the cultural implications of trauma and its effects on psychological development to understand the individual’s experience better and identify the most effective methods for mitigating the psychological effects of trauma.
In conclusion, it is clear that trauma has a profound effect on an individual’s psychological development, and this effect can be both positive and negative, depending on the individual’s ability to cope with the trauma. The literature suggests that numerous theories attempt to explain the psychological effects of trauma and numerous factors that can influence an individual’s ability to cope with the psychological effects of trauma. In addition, research has revealed that certain coping strategies, such as mindfulness-based therapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and narrative therapy, can benefit individuals who have experienced trauma. Finally, Resiliency can be a key factor in mitigating the psychological effects of trauma and should be taken into account when studying the psychological effects of trauma. It is also important to consider cultural perspectives when discussing the psychological effects of trauma, as different cultures may have different ways of coping with traumatic experiences. Thus, it is essential to consider all of these factors when studying the psychological effects of trauma to understand the individual’s experience better and identify the most effective methods for mitigating the psychological effects of trauma.
References
Ayre, K., & Krishnamoorthy, G. (2021). Trauma-Informed Behaviour Support: A Practical Guide to Developing Resilient Learners. In Google Books. University of Southern Queensland. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=MaOjzgEACAAJ&dq=The+Impact+of+Trauma+on+Psychological+Development&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZlKbezOD7AhVSKBoKHcnCCXkQ6AF6BAgDEAM
Fisher, D., Frey, N., & Savitz, R. S. (2019). Teaching Hope and Resilience for Students Experiencing Trauma: Creating Safe and Nurturing Classrooms for Learning. In Google Books. Teachers College Press. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=d8G4DwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=resilience+in+trauma&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi65IOJzuD7AhWOXaQEHW4zDGcQ6AF6BAgDEAM
Gordon, T. (2019). Coping Skills for Trauma Deck: 54 Practices to Overcome Trauma-Related Stressors, Deal with Shame & Guilt, and Increase Resiliency. In Google Books. Pesi Pub & Media. https://books.google.com/books?id=YRzDxwEACAAJ&dq=coping+strategies+of+Trauma&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKzOHIzeD7AhXQV6QEHUfqBwsQ6AF6BAgKEAM
PhD, L. R., & Kendall-Tackett, K. (2014). Psychology of Trauma 101. In Google Books. Springer Publishing Company. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=xpSrBAAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=Psychological+Trauma&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKlcOezeD7AhUcaqQEHWgNCGkQ6AF6BAgFEAM
Rance, V. A. (2021). Trauma and Coping Mechanisms among Assemblies of God World Missionaries: Towards a Biblical Theory of Well-Being. In Google Books. Wipf and Stock Publishers. https://books.google.co.ke/books?id=n65YEAAAQBAJ&pg=PA37&dq=coping+strategies+of+Trauma&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiKzOHIzeD7AhXQV6QEHUfqBwsQ6AF6BAgCEAM
Wycoff, K. L., & Franzese, B. (2019). Essentials of Trauma-Informed Assessment and Intervention in School and Community Settings. In Google Books. John Wiley & Sons. https://books.google.com/books?id=uUSCDwAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=The+Impact+of+Trauma+on+Psychological+Development&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiZlKbezOD7AhVSKBoKHcnCCXkQ6AF6BAgIEAM
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