PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER: KEY THEORIES AND MODERN CONCEPTS
Keywords:
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD); psychological trauma; emotional regulation; cognitive distortions; neurobiological mechanisms; psychosocial factors; PTSD diagnosis and therapy; psychosocial support; stress vulnerabilityAbstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological condition that develops as a response to traumatic experiences, significantly affecting emotional stability, cognitive functioning, and overall well-being. Initially recognized in the 20th century, PTSD has evolved into a distinct clinical diagnosis, characterized by persistent intrusive memories, emotional avoidance, heightened arousal symptoms, and profound disruptions in daily life. This article provides a theoretical analysis of PTSD, examining its historical development, defining characteristics, and key conceptual approaches. It explores major psychological theories that explain PTSD, including neurobiological and psychosocial foundations, while considering the role of individual resilience and external stressors. Particular attention is paid to the distinction between PTSD and complex PTSD (CPTSD), focusing on their diagnostic criteria, symptomatology, and long-term effects on mental health.
Beyond individual psychological factors, the article discusses interpersonal and social determinants of PTSD, including the consequences of prolonged stress exposure, the influence of environmental triggers, and the role of emotional regulation in trauma recovery. Clinical perspectives highlight the challenges of diagnosing PTSD, especially given variations in symptom expression across different populations. Furthermore, this study reviews evidence-based therapeutic interventions aimed at mitigating trauma symptoms, ranging from cognitive-behavioral strategies to neurophysiological treatment approaches.
Given the increasing prevalence of PTSD across diverse contexts–including war zones, natural disasters, and cases of interpersonal violence–there remains a need for further research to refine diagnostic tools and treatment methodologies. The findings presented in this article contribute to the ongoing academic discourse on trauma-related disorders, emphasizing the necessity of comprehensive rehabilitation strategies. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of PTSD and CPTSD is essential for improving mental health outcomes and addressing trauma-induced psychological disruptions in both clinical and societal contexts.
