Trauma and Resilience - Part 2: Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering pain theories, trauma concepts, domestic violence dynamics, trauma-informed care, therapies, neuroscience, PTG, and resilience.

Pain (IASP definition)

A subjective experience that is unpleasant, involving sensory and emotional components, associated with actual or potential tissue damage.

Physical Pain

Nociceptive or neuropathic pain resulting from tissue injury or illness.

Emotional Pain

Pain experienced as grief, rejection, loneliness, or other emotional distress.

Specificity Theory

Descartes idea that pain comes from specific pain receptors sending signals to the brain; now viewed as overly simplistic.

Gate Control Theory

Pain signals can be modulated by a gate in the spinal cord and influenced by psychology such as attention and mood.

Neuromatrix Theory

Pain arises from a brain neuromatrix that integrates sensory input, emotions, and cognition.

Biopsychosocial Model of Pain

Pain is shaped by biological, psychological, and social factors.

Trauma

A lasting psychological and emotional response to deeply distressing experiences, not just the event itself.

Dysregulation

Impaired regulation of the nervous system, often seen as hypervigilance or dissociation after trauma.

Human Being

A multidimensional entity embodying biology, emotion, cognition, spirituality, and social connection.

Domestic Violence

Pattern of abusive behaviors used to gain or maintain power and control in intimate or domestic relationships.

Physical Abuse

Harmful actions causing bodily injury, such as hitting, slapping, or choking.

Emotional/Psychological Abuse

Manipulation, threats, or constant criticism that undermine self-worth.

Sexual Abuse

Nonconsensual sexual activities or coercive sexual exploitation.

Financial Abuse

Controlling a person's financial resources to limit independence.

Technological Abuse

Using technology to monitor, harass, or intimidate a victim.

Cycle of Abuse

Lenore Walker’s model (1979) of four phases in abusive relationships: tension building, incident, reconciliation, and calm.

Tension Building

Phase of increasing stress and irritability that may precede an abusive incident.

Incident

The abusive episode where control is asserted through violence or degradation.

Reconciliation

Phase where the abuser expresses remorse or excuses, leading to renewed hope.

Calm / Honeymoon Phase

Period of apparent peace before the cycle potentially repeats, often masking ongoing issues.

PTSD

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder; symptoms include re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal after trauma.

Victim

A person who suffers harm due to another's abusive actions in domestic violence contexts.

Abuser

A person who exerts control through abusive behaviors.

Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)

An approach that recognizes trauma's impact and emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment.

Safety (TIC Principle)

Ensuring physical and psychological security for clients and staff.

Trustworthiness and Transparency

Clear, honest communication to build trust within care settings.

Peer Support

Incorporating individuals with lived trauma experiences to aid recovery.

Collaboration and Mutuality

Partnerships and shared power between providers and clients.

Empowerment, Voice, and Choice

Fostering client strengths and agency in decision making.

Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

Addressing biases and historical trauma within care and services.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Therapy focusing on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviors.

Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)

CBT adapted specifically to address trauma experiences and processing.

EMDR

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing; processing trauma using bilateral stimulation.

Somatic Therapy

Therapies addressing mind and body to release trauma stored in the body.

Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Therapy exploring different parts of the self to heal inner aspects.

Art Therapy

Using creative expression to process trauma and emotions.

Mindfulness

Present-moment awareness that supports emotional regulation.

Journaling

Writing to reflect and process traumatic experiences and thoughts.

Narrative Therapy

Reconstructing trauma stories to restore meaning and agency.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy

Therapy integrating body awareness with trauma treatment.

PTG (Post-Traumatic Growth)

Positive psychological change following struggle with trauma; domains include personal strength, new possibilities, improved relationships, appreciation of life, and spiritual change.

Meaning-Making

Interpreting and integrating trauma into one’s life narrative to restore coherence.

Window of Tolerance

Optimal nervous system arousal zone where a person functions effectively.

PTG vs Resilience

PTG involves transformation after trauma; resilience involves restoration and ongoing functioning.

Meaning-Making and PTG Interplay

Meaning-making helps explain and support growth after trauma.

Attachment Theory

Framework for how early relationships influence later responses to trauma.

Sensorimotor Psychotherapy (repeated)

A body-centered approach to trauma therapy that integrates physical processes with treatment.

Amygdala

Brain region that processes fear and emotional memories.

Hippocampus

Brain region involved in memory; often affected by trauma.

Prefrontal Cortex

Brain region that regulates emotions, decision making, and executive function.

Autonomic Nervous System

Includes sympathetic (fight/flight) and parasympathetic (rest/digest) branches.

Hyperarousal

State of heightened nervous system activation after trauma.

Hypoarousal

State of reduced nervous system activation after trauma.

Dissociation

Disconnection among thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory.

Flashbacks

Vivid re-experiencing of traumatic events.

Numbing

Emotional shutdown or detachment after trauma.

Triggers

Stimuli that activate traumatic memories or responses.

Intrusion

Unwanted re-experiencing of trauma through images, thoughts, or dreams.

Avoidance

Efforts to evade trauma-related reminders.

Trauma Theory Concepts (Ethics of Care)

Ethical framework emphasizing respect for dignity, autonomy, and emotional needs of trauma survivors.

Resilience in Practice

Developed through self-regulation, social support, purpose, and self-efficacy to recover and adapt.