Chapter 2 Trauma
Scott Floyd defines trauma as “an event outside of what is normally expected in the life of an individual, and that breaks past normal coping and defense mechanisms, causing strong emotional pain.”[1]
TYPES OF TRAUMA
Type 1 Trauma
“According to Lenore Terr, humans experience two general categories of trauma.' Type 1 trauma is also known as single-event trauma, or single-blow trauma in a person who experiences a sudden, unexpected event. Examples include accidents such as major car wrecks.”[2]
Type 2 Trauma
“The second category, type 2 trauma, is also known as multiple-blow trauma. Type 2 trauma generally occurs in a couple of ways. First, a person experiences repeated instances of trauma. An example is a soldier who sees active duty during which, over time, he or she is exposed to several extreme events such as personal injury or the deaths of other soldiers.”[3]
Trauma and the Bible
Tpauµa [τραῦμα] first appears in the New Testament in the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:33-34), "But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds [τραῦμα trauma], pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him" (NIV).”[4]
“The Septuagint, or the Greek translation of the Old Testament, uses Tpauµa in Isaiah 53, describing Jesus as the suffering servant. Isaiah 53:5 says, ‘But he was wounded [etraumatistha] for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes we are healed’" (RSV).[5]
“The Bible gives specific examples of situations that are traumatizing to those involved. Three of these are the stories of the Egyptians following the tenth plague, Job and his struggles, and the crucifixion.”[6]
Effects of Trauma
“Following are some common symptoms of trauma.
Cognitive Symptoms Trauma often impacts how a person processes information. This includes how the person thinks or what the person believes about the world. The impact on cognitive functioning can range from mild to severe.”[7]
“Emotional Symptoms: In addition to the cognitive effects, trauma survivors often experience a range of emotional symptoms. These can be confusing and frustrating, and may drain energy from the victim, who is already emotionally depleted.”[8]
“Behavioral Symptoms impact not only how a trauma survivor thinks and feels, they also affect how that person behaves or functions in daily activities.”[9]
“Spiritual Symptoms [impact] a person's spiritual beliefs or functioning.”[10]
Questions About God s Existence. John the Baptist in prison just before his execution asked if Jesus was the Messiah or not in Matthew 11:1-19.
Questions About God’s Character
“Even David, a man after God's own heart, struggles with questions about God. In Psalm 13:1 he asks, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning?’" (NIV).[11]
“Relational Symptoms ... are expressed in relationships. If the trauma is severe, even close relationships might be affected. In extreme circumstances, a traumatic event can result in a relationship breakup such as divorce.”[12]
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
“In some circumstances, a person who experiences trauma will develop Post-Traumatic Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an anxiety disorder that develops in response to extreme psychological and emotional distress caused by a specific traumatic event.'”[13]
“PTSD is a phenomenon that experts in the field have begun to understand only in the last few decades, and as a result of how individuals respond to extreme trauma situations. Those who work in ministering to individuals following traumatic events would do well to keep abreast of ongoing developments in the understanding of this particular disorder.”[14]
Conclusion
“When I see a survivor after trauma, either on television or in my counseling office, I offer a silent prayer. I pray that God will be very present with the person and will bring him or her through the difficult days that lie ahead.”[15]
[1] Ibid., 42.
[2] Ibid., 43.
[3] Ibid., 43.
[4] Ibid., 44.
[5] Ibid., 45.
[6] Ibid., 45.
[7] Ibid., 50.
[8] Ibid., 53.
[9] Ibid., 54.
[10] Ibid., 55.
[11] Ibid., 56.
[12] Ibid., 57.
[13] Ibid., 59.
[14] Ibid., 61.
[15] Ibid., 61.