Trauma and Spirituality
Open accessAbstract
Trauma and Spirituality"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became (an adult) I put away childish things.For now we see through a glass darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This narrative review synthesizes psychological, neurobiological, and clinical literature on trauma and PTSD to argue that trauma disrupts survivors' sense of trust, meaning, and relationship with the divine, and that spirituality and religiosity can function as either resources for recovery or sources of additional struggle. It concludes that empirical psychology and theology are compatible and that spiritual concerns should be addressed sensitively in trauma treatment.
Key findings
- Trauma damages "a person's sense of trust and security in the world," affecting self-concept, relationships, and spirituality; viewed through attachment theory, the survivor's relationship with a higher power can be damaged when that power "did not prevent the traumatic event."
- Intrinsic religiosity in the first few months after a traumatic experience "is associated with an increased intensity of PTSD symptoms," while one year after the event it is associated with reduced PTSD symptom intensity.
- In war veterans, posttraumatic stress symptom levels were associated with more positive religious coping, which was also associated with post-traumatic stress growth; negative religious coping was consistently associated with higher PTSD symptoms.
- Currier, Holland, and Drescher's longitudinal study of veterans in residential PTSD treatment found that veterans scoring higher on adaptive spirituality dimensions (daily spiritual experiences, forgiveness, spiritual practices, positive religious coping, organizational religiousness) at intake "fared significantly better," while those feeling abandoned or punished by God fared worse; baseline PTSD symptoms did not predict any spirituality variables at post-treatment.
- Combat intensity was positively related to later prayer and church attendance even 50 years after the traumatic experience; veterans who evaluated their war experience as positive attended church ceremonies less often than those who evaluated it negatively.
Methods
- Design: narrative/theoretical review with no primary data collection; the paper states its focus is "on insights from psychology, and relationships between psychological trauma – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), spirituality and religiosity."
- Content covered: historical definitions of trauma (from Herodotus and "soldier's heart" through DSM-III, DSM-IV, and DSM-5 PTSD criteria); psychological theories of PTSD (social-cognitive models, Ehlers and Clark's cognitive model, Mowrer's two-factor theory); neurobiology (amygdala, medial prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, HPA-axis dysregulation); definitions of spirituality and religiosity; and the trauma–spirituality relationship with clinical recommendations.
- Analysis: synthesis of cited empirical studies and theoretical literature, including veteran samples and disaster-exposed populations, plus discussion of clinical and pastoral implications.
Limitations
- The paper states no limitations section; no explicit limitations are acknowledged in the text.
- Evident from the text: it is a non-systematic narrative review with no stated search strategy, inclusion criteria, or quality appraisal of the cited studies; it reports no original data or effect sizes of its own, and several findings are presented via secondary citation (e.g., Currier et al., Shafranske and Malony, Cherry et al.).
- Evident from the text: the empirical evidence discussed is heavily weighted toward war veterans and specific trauma populations, and the paper does not address generalizability to other survivor groups.
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Cites
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Claims the paper makes
0 of 45 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged
- Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSD
Faulty beliefs and misconceptions including self-blame and guilt, and overgeneralized problems concerning safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy, prevent the trauma from being integrated into memory.
“Faulty beliefs and misconceptions including self-blame and guilt, and overgeneralized problems concerning safety, trust, control, esteem, and intimacy, prevent the trauma from being integrated into memory.16”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [16]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Trauma can also be a catalyst for spiritual growth.
“As mentioned before, despite some devastating consequences, trauma can also be a catalyst for spiritual growth.40”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [40]
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- Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSD
Previous experiences of traumatization, weakness or helplessness increase the risk of evaluating oneself as incapable of effective action and of perceiving oneself as extremely sensitive to danger.
“Previous experiences of traumatization, weakness or helplessness increase the risk of evaluating oneself as incapable of effective action and of perceiving oneself as extremely sensitive to danger.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites foot_8
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSD
In the first phase of Mowrer's theory, a person exposed to a traumatic event acquires fear through classical conditioning, where previously neutral stimuli begin to cause intense anxiety.
“In the first phase, a person exposed to a traumatic event acquires fear through classical conditioning, where previously neutral stimuli (eg sound, time of day, smells), through pairing with the traumatic event, begin to cause intense anxiety.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [22]
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- Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Part of the devastation of trauma is the damage done to a person's sense of trust and security in the world.
“Part of the devastation of trauma is the damage done to a person's sense of trust and security in the world, which is an integral part of many areas of life.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSD
The religious meaning system provides a helpful vehicle for making sense of seemingly random, nonsensical, or tragic events, by viewing them as part of a larger, more benign plan.
“More often than not, the religious meaning system provides a helpful vehicle for making sense of seemingly random, nonsensical, or tragic events, by viewing them as part of a larger, more benign plan.20”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [20]
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- Premisecitation§ 4. Neurobiology of PTSD
PTSD is a long-term consequence of the organism's failure to recover from a traumatic situation.
“From a biological point of view, PTSD is a long-term consequence of the organism's failure to recover from a traumatic situation, that is, from the biological consequences of recalling an event that is no longer happening in real-time.23”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [23]
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- Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSD
Mowrer's two-factor theory of learning fear and anxiety is the basis of several theoretical models of the emergence and development of clinical symptoms of PTSD.
“Mowrer's two-factor theory of learning fear and anxiety is the basis of several theoretical models of the emergence and development of clinical symptoms of PTSD.22”
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- Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSD
Through higher-order conditioning and stimulus generalization, anxiety can also be caused by stimuli similar to those present during the traumatic event.
“Through the process of higher-order conditioning and stimulus generalization, anxiety can also be caused by stimuli that are similar to the stimuli that were present during the traumatic event.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [22]
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- Premisecitation§ 4. Neurobiology of PTSD
PTSD includes dysregulation of neurochemical systems with the release of stress-related hormones such as adrenaline, cortisol, vasopressin, noradrenaline, and endogenous opioids.
“Regarding the physiology of PTSD, it includes the dysregulation of neurochemical systems with the release of stress-related hormones, such as adrenaline, cortisol, vasopressin, noradrenaline, and endogenous opioids.27”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [27]
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- Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
The spiritual relationship with a higher power is based on the expectation that the higher power will be protective in times of difficulty or danger, the same as a parent is for a child.
“The spiritual relationship with a higher person is based on the expectation that the higher power will be protective in times of difficulty or danger, the same as a parent is for a child.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Veterans who scored higher on adaptive dimensions of spirituality (daily spiritual experiences, forgiveness, spiritual practices, positive religious coping, and organizational religiousness) on intake fared significantly better in the treatment program.
“veterans who scored higher on adaptive dimensions of spirituality (daily spiritual experiences, forgiveness, spiritual practices, positive religious coping, and organizational religiousness) on intake, fared significantly better in this program.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [51]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Symptoms of PTSD at baseline did not predict any of the spirituality variables at post-treatment.
“symptoms of PTSD at baseline did not predict any of the spirituality variables at post-treatment.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [51]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Different dimensions of spirituality have been associated with adaptive and maladaptive responses to trauma among military veterans.
“They found that different dimensions of spirituality have been associated with adaptive and maladaptive responses to trauma among military veterans.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [50]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Maladaptive ways of drawing upon spirituality in the coping process could be a warning sign for moral injury.
“these maladaptive ways of drawing upon spirituality in the coping process, could be a warning sign for moral injury”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [52]
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- Interpretationreasoning§ References
Spirituality and/or religion may be beneficial in the context of trauma treatment.
“Spirituality and/or religion may be beneficial in the context of trauma treatment.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Spirituality factors at the start of treatment were uniquely predictive of PTSD symptom severity.
“spirituality factors at the start of treatment were uniquely predictive of PTSD symptom severity”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [51]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Spirituality variables were concurrently associated with the veteran's PTSD symptom severity.
“Spirituality variables were concurrently associated with the veteran's PTSD symptom severity.”
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Improvements in spiritual functioning (higher adaptive aspects, less negative religious coping) were associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms.
“improvements in spiritual functioning (e.g. higher adaptive aspects, less negative religious coping) were associated with reductions in PTSD symptoms.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [50]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Negative religious coping was consistently associated with higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms.
“while negative religious coping was consistently associated with higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [49]
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- Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
The intensity of combat can be related to the later level of religious activity.
“These results point to the conclusion that the intensity of combat can be related to the later level of religious activity”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
In war veterans, the level of posttraumatic stress symptoms was associated with more positive religious coping.
“In war veterans, the level of posttraumatic stress symptoms was associated with more positive religious coping”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [49]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Positive religious coping was associated with post-traumatic stress growth after various types of war trauma.
“which was also associated with post-traumatic stress growth after various types of war trauma”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [49]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Veterans who began the program feeling abandoned by God or a Higher Power, punished for perceived acts of wrong-doing or spiritual weakness, and attempting to disengage from God or a Higher Power fared worse in the program.
“Veterans who began the program feeling abandoned by God or a Higher Power, punished for perceived acts of wrong-doing or spiritual weakness, and attempting to disengage from God or a Higher Power,fared worse in the program.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [51]
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- Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
The relationship between religion and combat experience can vary significantly depending upon the way a person retrospectively looks at his combat or traumatic experience.
“the relationship between religion and combat experience can vary significantly depending upon the way a person retrospectively looks at his combat or traumatic experience.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisereasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
As the intensity of involvement in the combat sector grew, so did the number of veterans' visits to church.
“As the intensity of involvement in the combat sector grew, so did the number of their visits to church.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
Among veterans who evaluated their war experience as positive, those who did not participate in the combat sector or participated only in milder forms of combat attended church ceremonies less often than those who evaluate their war experience as negative.
“among the group of veterans who evaluated their war experience as positive, those who did not participate in the combat sector or participated only in milder forms of combat, it was observed that they attend church ceremonies less often when compared to those who evaluate their war experience as negative.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
The intensity of combat in which war veterans participated and turned to prayer is positively related, even 50 years after the traumatic experience.
“The intensity of combat in which war veterans participated and turned to prayer is positively related, even 50 years after experiencing the traumatic experience.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [53]
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- Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/Religiosity
There are smaller changes in religious beliefs among people who have experienced a natural disaster compared to people exposed to trauma for a longer period, such as war veterans who have greater changes in religious beliefs.
“there are smaller changes in religious beliefs among people who have experienced a natural disaster when compared to people who have been exposed to the traumatic experience for a longer period of time, such as the population of war veterans who have greater changes in religious beliefs.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [53]
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- Classified as probably not a substantial claim. 16
- May combine two claims. 18
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDIndividuals with persistent PTSD cannot see the trauma as a time-limited event that has no overall negative value for their future.
“It is hypothesized that, unlike individuals who recover naturally, individuals with persistent PTSD cannot see the trauma as a time-limited event that has no overall negative value for their future.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites foot_8
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Premisecitation§ 4. Neurobiology of PTSDThe reduction of the hippocampus in PTSD is manifested by a direct impact on cognitive functions, declarative memory, excessive generalizations of fear, and difficulty in distinguishing what is harmful from that which is harmless.
“The re-duction of the hippocampus also means disturbances in its function, which in PTSD, is manifested by a direct impact on cognitive functions, declarative memory, excessive generalizations of fear, and difficulty in distinguishing what is harmful from that which is harmless.26”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [26]
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Premisecitation§ 5. Defining Spirituality and ReligiositySpirituality is conceptualized as a private experience that promotes a process of growth.
“Researchers have conceptualized spirituality as a private experience 32 that promotes a process of growth.”
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDPerceived threat prompts a series of behavioral and cognitive responses that seek to reduce threat and stress, but consequently perpetuate the disorder.
“Perceived threat prompts a series of behavioral and cognitive responses that seek to reduce threat and stress, but consequently perpetuate the disorder.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites foot_8
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Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityTraumatic experiences can have a positive and negative effect on a person's spirituality: severe trauma can lead a person to turn to religion, while others blame God for their negative and difficult experiences.
“Traumatic experiences can have a positive and negative effect on a person's spirituality, that is, the experience of severe trauma can lead a person to turn to religion, while others blame God for their negative and difficult experiences.41”
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDSocial-cognitive theorists postulate that PTSD symptoms result from trauma that shatters one's basic assumptions about the vulnerability of the self and the safety of the world, or reinforces pre-existing negative beliefs.
“Social-cognitive theorists postulate that PTSD symptoms result from trauma that shatters one's basic assumptions about the vulnerability of the self and the safety of the world, or reinforces pre-existing negative beliefs.15”
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDIndividuals with persistent PTSD are characterized by idiosyncratic negative appraisals of the traumatic event and/or its consequences that create a sense of serious immediate threat.
“The model proposes that these individuals are characterized by idiosyncratic negative appraisals of the traumatic event and/or its consequences that have the combined effect of creating a sense of serious immediate threat.”
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDReexperiencing a traumatic event is part of the normal recovery process, but when there is a high degree of generalization and higher-order conditioning, chronic PTSD develops.
“The model suggests that reexperiencing a traumatic event is part of the normal recovery process, however, when there is a high degree of generalization and higher-order conditioning, chronic PTSD develops.”
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDAccording to the cognitive model of Ehlers and Clark, persistent PTSD occurs when an individual cognitively processes a traumatic event and/or its consequences in a way that immediately causes a feeling of threat.
“According to the cognitive model of Ehlers and Clarkfoot_8 , persistent PTSD occurs when an individual cognitively processes a traumatic event and/or its consequences in a way that immediately causes a feeling of threat.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites foot_8
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Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityIntrinsic religiosity in the first few months after a traumatic experience is associated with an increased intensity of PTSD symptoms, while one year after the traumatic event it is associated with a reduced intensity of PTSD symptoms.
“Research has shown that intrinsic religiosity in the first few months after a traumatic experience, is associated with an increased intensity of PTSD symptoms, while one year after the traumatic event, it is associated with a reduced intensity of PTSD symptoms.45”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [45]
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Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityViewing a trauma survivor's relationship with God through the lens of attachment theory illustrates the degree to which a survivor's relationship with a higher power can be damaged.
“Viewing a trauma survivor's relationship with God through the lens of attachment theory, illustrates the degree to which a survivor's relationship with higher power can be damaged.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimMay combine two claims.
Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityTrauma influences one's sense of self, one's relationships with others, and an individual's concept of spirituality.
“It influences one's sense of self, one's relationships with others, and an individual's concept of spirituality.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).
Premisenone given§ 5. Defining Spirituality and ReligiositySpirituality and religiosity are often considered to be independent constructs that represent individual and institutional experiences, respectively.
“Spirituality and religiosity are often considered to be independent constructs that represent individual and institutional experiences, respectively.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDInstrumental conditioning leads to avoidance of both conditioned and unconditioned stimuli, and this process persists because it leads to reduced anxiety.
“On the other hand, the process of instrumental conditioning, leads to another factor, avoidance of both conditioned and unconditioned stimuli.This process persists because it leads to reduced anxiety.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [22]
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Premisecitation§ 4. Neurobiology of PTSDThe HPA axis becomes more sensitive to cortisol and shuts down before cortisol can adequately limit the response of the sympathetic nervous system.
“The HPA axis becomes more sensitive to cortisol and shuts down before cortisol can adequately limit the response of the sympathetic nervous system.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites [28]
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Premisecitation§ 4. Neurobiology of PTSDIn studies that induced PTSD symptoms with traumatic audio recordings, lower brain activation and reduced blood flow in the medial prefrontal regions and hyperactivity of the amygdala were found.
“In studies that induced PTSD symptoms with traumatic audio recordings, lower brain activation and reduced blood flow in the area of the medial prefrontal regions, which are responsible for the regulation of emotional response through inhibition of the amygdala, and hyperactivity of the amygdala itself, were found.”
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Premisenone given§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDReligion can also be a source of stress if religious beliefs or attributions suggest maladaptive ways of understanding an event.
“Alternatively, while religion is often helpful in times of stress, it can also be a source of stress if religious beliefs or attributions suggest maladaptive ways of understanding an event.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimMay combine two claims.
Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityImmediately after a person is exposed to trauma, a discrepancy arises concerning previous beliefs, leading to psychological distress and internal religious struggles that last until the person can rationally and consciously evaluate the stressful event and approach resolution of PTSD symptoms.
“Immediately after a person is exposed to some kind of trauma, a discrepancy arises concerning previous beliefs, and leads to the development of psychological distress and internal religious struggles that last until the person is once againable to rationally and consciously evaluate the stressful event, and in such way, to approach the resolution of PTSD symptoms.46”
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Premisecitation§ 5. Defining Spirituality and ReligiositySpirituality is a construct that can be understood as a search for the sacred.
“According to Hill and Pargament 33 , spirituality is a construct that can be understood as a search for the sacred.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Hill and Pargament
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- cites [33]
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Premisecitation§ 4. Neurobiology of PTSDThe hippocampus in PTSD has a reduced volume, except in children with PTSD, where its volume is normal.
“Furthermore, research has shown that the hippocampus in PTSD has a reduced volume, except in children with PTSD, where its volume is normal.25”
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDReligious beliefs address issues of existential meaning, which may be called into question by trauma.
“they address issues of existential meaning, which may be called into question by trauma.19”
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Premisecitation§ 3. Psychological theories of PTSDReligious beliefs comprise a substantial part of many people's global meaning system and therefore inform their coping responses.
“religious beliefs comprise a substantial part of many people's global meaning system and therefore inform their coping responses 18”
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Premisecitation§ 5. Defining Spirituality and ReligiosityReligion and religiosity represent a significant modifier of the value structure and an important predictor of a wide range of behaviors and attitudes.
“Religion and religiosity have always been important topics of study in psychology because they represent a significant modifier of the value structure, as well as an important predictor of a wide range of behaviors and attitudes.29”
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Premisecitation§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityReligion is often perceived as a source of comfort, meaning, and purpose for individuals exposed to a traumatic experience and can render suffering more bearable.
“Religion is often perceived as a source of comfort, meaning, and purpose for individuals exposed to a traumatic experience 42 and can render suffering more bearable.43”
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- cites [43]
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Premisecitation§ 4. Neurobiology of PTSDIn PTSD sufferers, the levels of cortisol in the blood are permanently lowered, unlike in a normal acute stress reaction where elevated corticotropin-releasing hormone leads to increased secretion of cortisol.
“Unlike a normal acute stress reaction, where an elevated level of the corticotropin-releasing hormone leads to increased secretion of cortisol, in PTSD sufferers, the levels of cortisol in the blood are permanently lowered.”
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Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityBoth empirical psychology and theology are crucial elements.
“Rather, both are crucial elements”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable).
Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityAbsolute faith equips the trauma victim with courage rooted in the God who appears when God has disappeared in the anxiety of doubt.
“Absolute faith equips the trauma victim with courage which is”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: As a result of extreme trauma, traditional religious symbols frequently lose their meaning and power.
Classified as probably not a substantial claim.
Interpretationreasoning§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityAbsolute faith encourages one to be courageous despite catastrophic trauma, the realities of a chaotic world, and one's finite existence.
“Absolute faith, however, encourages one to be courageous,despite catastrophic trauma, despite the realities of a chaotic world, and despite one's finite existence.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim- Rests on an assumption: As a result of extreme trauma, traditional religious symbols frequently lose their meaning and power.
Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based).
Interpretationnone given§ 6. Relationship between Trauma and Spirituality/ReligiosityAlthough empirical psychology and theology are different, these disciplines are far from incompatible.
“although empirical psychology and theology are different, these disciplines are far from incompatible.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
The paper relies on this without support.
Human beings search for the meaning of life and diligently attempt to discover and possess it.
“Human beings search for the meaning of life and diligently attempt to discover and possess it.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Trauma may produce a state of dispiritedness and lead the survivor to question the meaning of life and existence and the motives of God.
“Trauma, too, may produce a state of dispiritedness and lead the survivor to question the meaning of life and existence and the motives of God.”
The paper relies on this without support.
A traumatic event forces the individual to acknowledge that life is not always fair.
“Very often a traumatic event forces the individual to acknowledge that life is not always fair.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The assumption of fairness is a fundamental worldview that trauma fractures.
“This assumption of fairness is a fundamental worldview that trauma fractures.”
The paper relies on this without support.
A traumatic event may overwhelm the soul's ability to contain it and fit it into the larger spiritual consciousness.
“A traumatic event may overwhelm the soul's ability to contain it and fit it into the larger spiritual consciousness.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Processing a traumatic event almost always leads to a search for new meaning and purpose, as well as a need for the soul to expand enough to contain trauma.
“As a result, processing a traumatic event almost always leads to a search for new meaning and purpose, as well as a need for the soul to expand enough to contain trauma.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Individuals who possess a strong relationship with God before trauma are more likely to benefit from their faith and more likely to emerge from the ordeal with their beliefs essentially intact.
“Individuals who possess a strong relationship with a God before trauma, are more likely to benefit from their faith, and more likely to emerge from the ordeal with their beliefs essentially intact.”
The paper relies on this without support.
People with more tenuous or unstable religious attachments may discover that their faith is easier to lose and harder to benefit from.
“People with more tenuous or unstable religious attachments, may discover that their faith is easier to lose and harder to benefit from.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Many trauma survivors suspect that matters of faith and religion are not appropriate subject matter.
“many trauma survivors suspect that matters of faith and religion are not appropriate subject matter”
The paper relies on this without support.
Initially, traumatized persons may be reluctant to articulate spiritual feelings.
“initially, traumatized persons may bereluctant to articulate spiritual feelings.”
The paper relies on this without support.
As a result of extreme trauma, traditional religious symbols frequently lose their meaning and power.
“As a result of extreme trauma, traditional religious symbols frequently lose their meaning and power.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Victims of psychological trauma and PTSD desire normalcy and long for an end to their isolation, alienation, numbing, anger, and distancing from others.
“Victims of psychological trauma and PTSD desire normalcy.They long for an end to their isolation and alienation; they long for an end to the numbing, the intense anger, and the purposeful distancing that keeps them distanced from”
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- M. Good, T. Willoughby, Adolescence as a Sensitive Period for Spiritual Development, "Child Development Perspecitves" 2 (2008) 1, pp. 32-37.
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- Healing the Traumatized Soul Prior to this century, there is little evidence of significant conflict between mental health professionals and pastoral counselors. Beginning with the first decade of the 20th century, however, psychology appeared intent on ignoring the spiritual dimension of human existence to "establish itself as an empirical science rather than a speculative discipline. " 55 However, during the last three decades, empirical psychology has broadened its horizons, and since both, psy- chology and theology acknowledge the inner world of the individual, significant progress has been made and many integrative models of assistance, especially to trauma survivors, have been developed. 56 Religion, faith, and spirituality are significant life issues for many people, so they represent potential sources of support and inner strength for victims, and is important to address this issue during the therapy process. From a clinical standpoint, there are several options for addressing spiri- tual concerns in treating trauma survivors. Spirituality and/or religion may be beneficial in the context of trauma treatment. However, including spiritual components in treatment is not particularly common and many therapists may be unfamiliar with or uncomfortable with the notion. 57 Therefore, mental health clinicians might assume a multi-disciplinary approach and seek support from chaplains or other ministry professionals in their work. 58 Moreover, mental health providers must also take the time to examine and know their belief systems and spiritual background. 59 Incorporating a spiritual component into trauma treatment involves both preparation and exploration. There is no one "right" way to include spirituality in treatment. Factors such as the clinician's posi- tion on religion, the client's willingness to explore that area, the circumstances 55 R. Janoff-Bulman, Assumptive Worlds and the Stress of Traumatic Events: Applications of the Schema Construct, "Social Cognition" 7 (1989) 2, pp. 113-136.
- R. Janoff-Bulman, Assumptive Worlds and the Stress of Traumatic Events: Applications of the Schema Construct, "Social Cognition" 7 (1989) 2, pp. 113-136;
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- S. Smith, Exploring the Interaction of Trauma and Spirituality, "Traumatology" 10 (2004) 4, pp. 231-243.
- M. Good, T. Willoughby, Adolescence as a Sensitive Period for Spiritual Development, "Child Development Perspecitves" 2 (2008) 1, pp. 32-37.
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- Good M., Willoughby T., Adolescence as a Sensitive Period for Spiritual Development, "Child Development Perspecitves" 2 (2008) 1, pp. 32-37.
- Hill P.C., Pargament K.I., Advances in the Conceptualization and Measurement of Reli- gion Spirituality -Implications for Psysical and Mental Health Research, "American Psychologist" 58 (2003) 1, pp. 64-74.
- Janoff-Bulman R., Assumptive Worlds and the Stress of Traumatic Events: Applications of the Schema Construct, "Social Cognition" 7 (1989) 2, pp. 113-136.
- Shafranske E.P., Malony H.N., Clinician psychologist' religious and spiritual orientations and their practice of psychotherapy, "Psychotherapy" 27 (1990), pp. 72-78.
- Smith S., Exploring the Interaction of Trauma and Spirituality, "Traumatology" 10 (2004) 4, pp. 231-243.
- Tadeschi R.G., Calhoun L.G., The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory: Measuring the Positive Legacy of Trauma, "Journal of Traumatic Stress" 9 (1996) 3, pp. 455-471.
Cited by
Still being checked.
- Authors
- Šeremet, A.
- Affiliations
- Catholic University of Croatia (HR)
- Corresponding author
- Šeremet, Ana
- ORCID
- Šeremet, Ana
- Venue
- The Person and the Challenges. The Journal of Theology, Education, Canon Law and Social Studies Inspired by Pope John Paul II
- Published
- 2023-09-29
- Volume
- 13
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 167-183
- ISSN
- 2083-8018 (ISSN-L)
- 2391-6559
- OpenAlex
- W4387187359
- Cited by
- 0
- References
- 19
- FWCI
- 0.00
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Locations
- The Person and the Challenges The Journal of Theology Education Canon Law and Social Studies Inspired by Pope John Paul II (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Health › Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › History › Catholicism and Religious Studies
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Contemporary Christian Leadership and Education
- Keywords
- trauma, spirituality, spirituality and healing
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