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Trauma and identity: A reciprocal relationship?
Steven L Berman1, Marilyn J Montgomery2, Kaylin Ratner3
1University of Central Florida, USA.
Journal of Adolescence
|February 10, 2020
Summary
Trauma significantly impacts identity development and how individuals cope with traumatic experiences. Understanding the interplay between trauma and identity is crucial for posttraumatic stress disorder and growth.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Trauma can disrupt identity formation and the resources available for identity work.
- Identity influences the perception and interpretation of traumatic events, affecting outcomes like posttraumatic stress disorder or posttraumatic growth.
Discussion:
- The relationship between trauma and identity is bidirectional and complex.
- Existing research on the intersection of trauma and identity is limited.
- This Special Issue examines these influences across diverse adolescent groups, event types, and identity facets.
Key Insights:
- Trauma and identity are deeply intertwined, each shaping the other's trajectory.
- Identity can serve as a protective factor or a vulnerability in the face of trauma.
- Adolescence is a critical period for understanding these reciprocal influences.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to develop nuanced reciprocal relations models for trauma and identity.
- This work lays the foundation for future empirical investigations into these complex associations.
- Understanding this interplay can inform interventions for trauma recovery and identity development.
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