Operational trauma is defined as "any experience that causes psychological stress beyond normal coping abilities" (Rosenberg & Rosenfeld, 2014). This can include life-threatening situations such as accidents, natural disasters, combat, war, terrorist attacks, or serious injuries. It can also include less severe but still distressing events like car crashes, burglaries, assaults, medical emergencies, and even deaths within one's family. Exposure to operational trauma may have an impact on relational trust, vulnerability, and attachment security because it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which affects how individuals perceive themselves, others, and their environment. In addition, it can trigger memories of past trauma which can affect present relationships.
PTSD is characterized by intrusive recollections of the event, avoidance of reminders related to the event, hypervigilance, irritability, and negative mood changes. Individuals who suffer from PTSD often feel unable to trust others due to feelings of fear, shame, and self-blame. They may become isolated, withdrawn, and emotionally distant in order to protect themselves from further harm. These symptoms can also make it difficult for them to form close attachments since they are afraid of getting too close to someone else for fear of being hurt again.
Individuals with PTSD may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance use, gambling, and promiscuity in order to numb emotions or feel alive again. This can create additional challenges in forming healthy relationships that require open communication, intimacy, and trust.
Exposure to operational trauma can also change an individual's perception of themselves and their place in the world.
A soldier who has been involved in combat may view themselves as damaged goods that no one wants or needs. This can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of worthlessness, making it difficult to establish a sense of security within a relationship. Similarly, a survivor of sexual assault may struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and self-blame, leading to difficulty connecting with another person on an intimate level.
Exposure to operational trauma can leave individuals feeling disconnected from themselves and others, which makes it hard to establish meaningful connections.
In what ways does exposure to operational trauma influence relational trust, vulnerability, and attachment security?
Exposure to operational trauma can have significant impact on an individual's ability to form healthy interpersonal relationships, specifically their trust levels, sense of vulnerability, and attachment security.