The concept of shared trauma has been increasingly studied in various fields such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, history, philosophy, literature, and so forth. It is generally defined as an experience of suffering caused by catastrophic events that have affected large groups of people or communities. Shared traumas can range from natural disasters to warfare to genocide to mass shootings. They are often accompanied by feelings of fear, loss, pain, and grief. Individuals who share similar experiences may form bonds based on their common ground.
It is still unclear how this shared experience affects relational trust, cohesion, and collective resilience among those involved. In this article, I will explore these aspects of shared trauma in detail.
Shared traumatic experiences have been found to impact individual and group level outcomes differently.
Studies show that survivors of shared trauma tend to develop closer relationships than non-survivors do (Klein et al., 2014). This can be attributed to the fact that they share a common understanding and empathy for one another's emotions and struggles.
Shared traumas can create a sense of solidarity and unity among individuals who were previously strangers (Hobfoll et al., 2007).
There is also evidence that shared traumas can lead to mistrust and suspicion among members of the same community (Bloom et al., 2013). This is because some individuals may feel that others are not adequately addressing their needs during the aftermath of the event.
In terms of relational trust, research suggests that survivors of shared trauma are more likely to trust each other compared to non-survivors (McGovern & Resick, 2018). This is due to the high levels of emotional intimacy developed as a result of sharing the same experience.
There is also evidence that this trust can be fragile and easily disrupted if members of the community fail to communicate openly or support each other properly (Frazier et al., 2004). In such cases, mistrust can lead to conflict and division within the community.
Regarding collective resilience, it has been found that communities that have experienced shared trauma are often able to bounce back from adversity faster than those who have not (Rutter et al., 2006). This is because they have learned how to adapt and overcome challenges together.
Survivors of natural disasters often develop new ways of living and problem-solving (Luthar et al., 2005).
There is also evidence that shared traumatic experiences can lead to long-term psychological consequences such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety (Schweitzer et al., 2017). This can weaken collective resilience over time by reducing individual capacity for coping and adaptation.
Shared traumas have both positive and negative impacts on relational trust, cohesion, and collective resilience. Survivors tend to form stronger bonds with one another while non-survivors may feel left out. When these bonds break down, there is an increased risk of mistrust and suspicion among community members. Collectively, however, shared traumas can lead to greater resilience when communities learn how to work together in times of crisis. It is therefore important to acknowledge the complexities of shared traumas and their potential effects on interpersonal relationships and group dynamics.
In what ways does shared trauma affect relational trust, cohesion, and collective resilience?
A study by Kelley et al. (2018) explored how shared traumatic experiences can impact social relationships, such as trust, cohesion, and resilience within groups. The authors found that when individuals experience shared trauma, they may develop strong bonds with others who have had similar experiences, leading to increased levels of trust and cohesion within the group.