The word "trauma" comes from the Greek verb "truo", which means to wound. In modern usage, it refers to an event that causes physical injury or emotional distress, usually involving a threat to life or safety. Repeated trauma exposure can be defined as experiencing multiple traumatic events, often in close succession.
Someone may experience trauma through war, natural disasters, abuse, accidents, or violence.
Psychological consequences of repeated trauma exposure are well-documented and include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, self-harm, and suicide attempts.
There is growing evidence that intimacy can buffer against these negative effects. Intimacy refers to a deep connection between people characterized by mutual understanding, trust, support, empathy, and love. It can take many forms, such as romantic relationships, friendships, familial bonds, professional partnerships, spirituality, or personal hobbies.
Let's consider the case of Lucy. After witnessing a tragic car accident, Lucy developed PTSD symptoms, including intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance. She felt isolated, anxious, and hopeless. Her partner, Tom, knew about her struggles and was determined to help her feel better. They spent more time together than usual, engaged in activities they both enjoyed, such as hiking, cooking, and watching movies.
Lucy began to open up about her feelings, and Tom listened patiently without judgment. Their relationship became closer and more intimate.
Lucy's therapist also recommended that she practice mindfulness meditation and yoga, which helped her feel more grounded and present in the moment. As her symptoms improved, she became less withdrawn and began socializing again. In addition to her partner, she found comfort in spending time with friends who understood what she had been through.
The results suggest that intimacy may be an effective buffer against the psychological consequences of repeated trauma exposure. By building close connections with others, individuals can access emotional and practical support, regulate their emotions, and feel safe and secure. This has important implications for those who experience repeated traumas, such as first responders, medical professionals, veterans, refugees, and survivors of sexual assault or domestic violence.
It is worth noting that intimacy does not eliminate all negative effects of trauma. Some people may still struggle with chronic anxiety or depression despite having strong relationships and support networks.
It can significantly improve quality of life and reduce suicide risk. Intimacy can take many forms, including romantic partnerships, friendships, familial bonds, professional partnerships, spirituality, or personal interests. The key is finding what works best for each individual and making consistent effort towards connection and healing.
Can intimacy buffer against the psychological consequences of repeated trauma exposure?
The potential protective role of intimacy for individuals who have experienced repeated trauma has been explored by multiple researchers (e. g. , Cohen et al. , 2018; Malti et al. , 2019), but there is currently no consensus regarding its effectiveness as a buffer. Some studies suggest that social support may help individuals cope with traumatic events by reducing their distress levels (e. g. , Patterson et al.