Human beings are exposed to a variety of experiences throughout our lives, some of which can be traumatic. When faced with a traumatic event, people can react in different ways, depending on their personality, previous experiences and psychological resources. In this article, we will explore the 6 most common types of reactions to a traumatic event and their distinctive characteristics.
1. Denial
Denial is one of the first responses some people experience after a traumatic event. At this stage, the person refuses to accept the reality of what happened, trying to minimize the emotional impact of the event. It can be expressed through phrases like "this didn't happen" or "everything is fine". Denial may be an unconscious strategy to protect oneself from the intensity of negative emotions associated with the trauma.
Characteristics of denial:
- Avoiding thinking or talking about the trauma
- Reject evidence of the event
- Maintain an attitude of disbelief
- Persistence in affirming that everything is fine
2 . Anger
Anger is a common emotion in the initial phase of the trauma response. The person may experience an intense feeling of anger toward themselves, toward others, or toward the situation that triggered the traumatic event. This anger can manifest itself through emotional outbursts, aggressive behavior, or resentment.
Characteristics of anger:
- Hostility towards oneself or others
- Expression of rage or fury disproportionately
- Feelings of injustice and frustration
- Desire for revenge or retaliation
3. Negotiation
In the negotiation stage, the person actively seeks to find ways to cope with the trauma and restore a sense of control over the situation. She may resort to searching for meaning, making agreements with herself or a spiritual entity, or attempting to resolve what happened in some way. Negotiation can be a strategy to temporarily relieve emotional distress.
Characteristics of negotiation:
- Seek rational or spiritual explanations for the trauma
- Make promises or pacts to avoid similar future events
- Experience feelings of guilt or self-blame
- Try to regain lost control
4. Depression
Depression is a common response to a traumatic event that involves a deep sense of sadness, loss, and hopelessness. The person may experience an overwhelming feeling of emotional emptiness, difficulty finding joy in everyday activities, and social isolation. Depression can last over time if the underlying feelings are not adequately managed.
Characteristics of depression:
- Persistent and overwhelming sadness
- Feeling of hopelessness and helplessness
- Social isolation and emotional withdrawal
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
5. Acceptance
Acceptance is a phase of the trauma response in which the person begins to integrate the traumatic experience into their personal narrative and find a new emotional balance. Through acceptance, the person recognizes and accepts the reality of the event, allowing themselves to consciously experience pain and suffering. Acceptance does not mean forgetting the trauma, but learning to live with it in a healthy way.
Characteristics of acceptance:
- Recognition of the traumatic experience
- Active coping with the emotions associated with the event
- Integration of trauma into personal history
- Development of resilience and personal growth
6 . Resilience
Resilience is the ability to overcome adversity and adapt positively to traumatic situations. People with high levels of resilience may experience intense and difficult emotions, but are able to recover and continue with their lives constructively. Resilience does not mean ignoring the impact of trauma, but rather learning to manage it effectively.
Characteristics of resilience:
- Emotional and mental flexibility
- Ability to find meaning and purpose in adversity
- Social support and strong coping resources
- Ability to learn and grow from the traumatic experience
In conclusion, people can react in different ways to a traumatic event, and it is important to remember that there is no "correct" response. Each individual has their own coping and recovery process, and it is essential to respect and support those going through a traumatic experience. Psychology offers tools and strategies to help people manage the emotional impact of traumatic events and build a solid foundation of resilience to face future adversities with strength and hope.