Psychological Trauma and Cognitive Restructuring: Shaping Our Perception and Behaviors
The experience of psychological trauma can deeply affect our way of thinking and perceiving the world. Trauma often leads to a narrowing of focus and a diminishing of concerns, which in turn can impact our ability to engage with others and the broader context. Understanding how trauma reshapes our cognitive processes and ways of behaving is crucial for both individuals and communities seeking to support those who have experienced it.
Reducing Focal Attention and Expanding Perspective
During and in the aftermath of a traumatic event, individuals often become preoccupied with urgent situations that dominate their attention. This preoccupation can result in a reduction of one's ability to focus on specific tasks or concerns. The trauma can also cause a shrinking down of one's overall concerns. For healing and emotional well-being, it is essential to foster a sense of psychological safety. Psychological safety is the foundation upon which one can gradually restore their cognitive abilities to encompass a broader range of experiences and perspectives.
Psychological safety enables a person to perceive and understand the world within a comprehensive context, leading to a more holistic understanding of events and their meanings. Trauma, however, can create a distorted lens through which individuals view the world. The initial traumatic experience can color subsequent experiences, making it difficult to see beyond the immediate danger or fear. This phenomenon is often referred to as the "historical context" being superimposed upon present experiences, leading to a pervasive mindset that life is filled with constant danger and uncertainty.
Building Psychological Muscle for Everyday Exploration
To move beyond the constraints imposed by trauma, individuals must develop the psychological "muscle" needed to explore new experiences and challenge negative beliefs and fears. This process is not always easy; for some, it requires taking small steps that may seem insignificant. However, even baby steps toward a more open-minded and adventurous perspective can be a significant breakthrough.
Building psychological resilience and expanding one's perspective involves taking good care of oneself, protecting against unnecessary negative influences, and seeking out supportive environments. Engaging with others who can provide disconfirmation and challenge deep-seated fears and beliefs is crucial. This process is essential for those who have experienced retraumatization, as it helps them to regain a sense of control and to reprocess their experiences without being overwhelmed by past traumas.
Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Cognitive Restructuring
Mental and emotional well-being depends on the ability to engage in cognitive restructuring, or the process of reevaluating and reinterpreting one's beliefs and experiences. Trauma can lead to fixed and rigid thinking patterns, which can be resistant to change. Psychological safety is key to breaking this cycle and fostering new cognitive habits. By becoming aware of the negative patterns and influences that continue to impact one's life, individuals can make conscious efforts to challenge and reframe them.
The process of cognitive restructuring after trauma is not linear but involves a series of small steps. It is essential to recognize the importance of psychological safety in creating the conditions necessary for cognitive growth and change. By taking care of oneself, seeking supportive environments, and engaging in reflective practices, individuals can begin to break free from the constraints of trauma and develop a more expansive and integrative perspective.
Individuals who have experienced psychological trauma need to regain a sense of psychological safety, allowing them to explore and reevaluate their beliefs and experiences. Through this process, they can develop new cognitive frameworks and behaviors that support a more fulfilling and meaningful life.