Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (DSM-IV)

Most adults will experience at least one traumatic event in their lives, with some experiencing several. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV), a trauma is defined as witnessing or experiencing “actual or threatened death, serious injury or sexual violation” which “causes clinically significant distress or impairment in the individual’s social interactions, capacity to work or other important areas of functioning”. After a traumatic event, there is a chance that an individual will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a trauma and stressor- related disorder which can develop after an extremely stressful event, such as physical harm or military combat. It is categorised by the onset of recurring memories of the event, and feelings of fear and anxiety even when there is an absence of danger. However, many people who …show more content…
Locus of control is the extent to which an individual believes they have control over the events affecting them. Those with an internal locus of control can find meaning from their experiences, and learn to grow from them. They find the experience as an opportunity to bond with other people dealing with the same issues, and use them as resources for coping with their needs.
Grit is another factor which causes high resilience. It refers to pursuing long term goals, whilst persistently overcoming challenges, and maintaining effort despite negative feedback or failure. REFERENCE. Gritty individuals have the ability to regulate strong feelings and control impulses, which is one of the factors Fredrickson and Branigan (2005) described as being necessary for resilience. As they are also highly motivated, they are much more likely to be able to turn the negative experience into an opportunity for growth, and motivation to continue on their path towards their long term