Abstract:

The present paper attempts to briefly review the existing (and available) theoretical material on trauma. It offers an overall picture of the possible outcomes, and explanations for individual differences in reaction. Results obtained on negative posttraumatic reactions will be delineated, simultaneously presenting the advantages and disadvantages of this approach, and consequently, the shortcomings. Results obtained by the newly developed branch of trauma studies, that of posttraumatic growth, will also be discussed.

Keywords: trauma, trauma theories and models, PTSD, post-traumatic growth, thriving