Forms of Trauma

1. Acute Trauma

• Results from a single, overwhelming event.

• Examples: Car accident, natural disaster, sudden loss of a loved one, physical assault.

• Often causes intense fear, shock, or helplessness.

  
  

2. Chronic Trauma

• Results from repeated, prolonged exposure to stressful events.

• Examples: Domestic violence, ongoing abuse, bullying, long-term neglect.

• Can lead to long-term emotional, physical, and mental health effects.

  
  

3. Complex Trauma

• Exposure to multiple traumatic events, often interpersonal, usually in childhood.

• Examples: Growing up in abusive households, war zones, or foster care instability.

• Can affect attachment, self-worth, and the ability to regulate emotions.

  
  

4. Developmental Trauma

• Trauma that occurs during critical stages of growth in childhood.

• Examples: Neglect, emotional abuse, inconsistent caregiving.

• Often impacts personality, social skills, and coping mechanisms later in life.

  
  

5. Secondary / Vicarious Trauma

• Trauma experienced indirectly by witnessing or supporting someone else who has been traumatized.

• Examples: Therapists, first responders, or family members of victims of abuse or violence.

  
  

6. Collective / Cultural Trauma

• Trauma that affects a group of people or a community.

• Examples: Slavery, genocide, systemic racism, war, or mass natural disasters.

• Can shape cultural identity, beliefs, and intergenerational behavior.

  
  

7. Moral Trauma

• Trauma caused by actions that go against one’s ethical or moral beliefs.

• Examples: Witnessing atrocities, being forced to act against your values, or living in morally compromising environments.

• Often results in guilt, shame, or loss of trust in self or others.