Emotional Mechanisms That Allow Closeness To Regulate Overwhelming Psychological States Triggered By Trauma
Closeness is an essential factor for regulating overwhelming psychological states triggered by trauma, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It involves establishing strong and meaningful bonds between individuals that enable them to share their emotions, fears, and experiences. This bond can be established through communication, physical touch, emotional support, and understanding. The following are the emotional mechanisms that allow closeness to regulate overwhelming psychological states triggered by trauma:
Empathy
Empathy refers to the ability to understand and share another person's feelings and experiences. When someone feels understood and valued, they feel accepted and loved, which helps reduce the impact of trauma.
When someone opens up about their struggles, their partner listens attentively and validates their thoughts and emotions. This creates a sense of connection and reduces the feeling of isolation, which is often experienced in the aftermath of trauma. As a result, empathy is a crucial mechanism in regulating overwhelming psychological states triggered by trauma.
Trust
Trust allows people to open up to each other without fear of being judged or criticized. In a safe and secure relationship, people feel comfortable sharing their deepest thoughts, worries, and insecurities without fear of rejection or abandonment. Trust also enables individuals to work together to overcome challenges and cope with difficulties. Therefore, trust plays an important role in regulating psychological states triggered by trauma because it enables individuals to build resilience against future stressors.
Communication
Communication is essential for establishing closeness and building intimacy. It involves listening actively, expressing oneself, and giving feedback. By communicating effectively, couples can learn more about each other's needs and feelings, creating a deeper understanding and connection. It also enables them to resolve conflicts and disagreements peacefully, promoting mutual respect and love. Effective communication can help individuals process their traumatic experiences and move forward healthily.
Physical Touch
Physical touch is another way to create closeness. Hugging, holding hands, cuddling, and kissing are all forms of physical touch that promote closeness and reduce anxiety. According to research, touch releases oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and reduces stress. This means that physical contact helps individuals cope with the impact of trauma by reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
Emotional Support
Emotional support involves providing comfort and encouragement during difficult times. It involves listening actively, offering advice, and being there emotionally when someone is going through a hard time. When people receive emotional support, they feel loved and valued, which helps them navigate their painful experiences and heal.
When one partner shares their struggles, the other offers reassurance and validation, helping them overcome their challenges.
Closeness plays an important role in regulating overwhelming psychological states triggered by trauma. It allows individuals to share their thoughts, fears, and insecurities without feeling judged or criticized. Empathy, trust, communication, physical touch, and emotional support are some mechanisms that allow closeness to regulate these overwhelming states. By establishing strong bonds and maintaining intimacy, couples can work together to overcome difficulties and build resilience against future stressors.
What emotional mechanisms allow closeness to regulate overwhelming psychological states triggered by trauma?
According to researchers, the feeling of closeness has been found to have a positive impact on an individual's psychological state when they are faced with stressors such as traumatic experiences. This is because the experience of closeness can lead to increased feelings of safety and security, which can help individuals cope with their anxiety and depression symptoms. Closeness also encourages social support and connection, leading to improved self-esteem and resilience.