PSY2083 Exam 2: Trauma, Coercive Control, Disclosure & Disasters

What is secondary traumatic stress (STS)?

A condition where individuals experience trauma symptoms as a result of exposure to someone else's traumatic experiences.

What is vicarious trauma (VT)?

The emotional impact that occurs when a person hears about the traumatic experiences of others, leading to changes in their worldview and sense of safety.

What is compassion fatigue?

A state of emotional and physical exhaustion experienced by caregivers due to the continuous exposure to others' suffering.

What is burnout?

A state of chronic stress that leads to emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and reduced personal accomplishment, often affecting professionals in high-stress jobs.

What is PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)?

A mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance, and heightened anxiety.

What is ASD (Acute Stress Disorder)?

A condition similar to PTSD but occurs within three days to one month after a traumatic event, involving symptoms such as intrusive memories and dissociation.

What are direct and indirect exposure?

Direct exposure refers to firsthand experience of trauma, while indirect exposure involves witnessing or hearing about trauma experienced by others.

What is coercive control?

A pattern of behavior in intimate relationships that seeks to control a partner through manipulation, intimidation, and isolation.

What is 'captivity without bars'?

A concept by Judith Herman describing how victims of coercive control feel trapped in their relationships despite having physical freedom.

What is traumatic bonding?

The strong emotional attachment that can develop between an abuser and their victim, often reinforced by cycles of abuse and reconciliation.

What is sexual assault?

Any non-consensual sexual act or behavior, including unwanted touching or forced sexual intercourse.

What is affirmative consent?

A clear and enthusiastic agreement to engage in sexual activity, emphasizing that consent must be given freely and can be revoked at any time.

What is the difference between wanting and consenting?

Wanting refers to a desire for sexual activity, while consenting means giving permission for that activity to occur.

What is rape culture?

A societal environment that normalizes, trivializes, or excuses sexual violence and blames victims for their assault.

What are the fight, flight, freeze, and fawn responses?

These are instinctive reactions to perceived threats: fight (confront), flight (escape), freeze (become immobile), and fawn (people-please to avoid conflict).

What is disclosure in the context of trauma?

The process of revealing personal experiences of trauma, which can be influenced by anticipated costs and benefits.

What are natural-hazard disasters?

Disasters caused by natural events, such as earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes.

What are technological/accidental disasters?

Disasters resulting from human error or technological failures, such as industrial accidents or transportation mishaps.

What is terrorism?

The use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in pursuit of political aims.

What are primary versus secondary disaster stressors?

Primary stressors are immediate impacts of a disaster, while secondary stressors are ongoing challenges that arise after the initial event.

What are mass violence and terrorism?

Mass violence refers to incidents where multiple individuals are harmed, while terrorism specifically involves politically motivated violence.

What is climate change-related trauma?

Psychological distress resulting from the impacts of climate change, including natural disasters, displacement, and environmental degradation.