A Critical Reflection on Information Processing Theories of Trauma Response
Exam number: CLPS11045 Word count: 1099
Introduction
Cognitive theories that focus on information processing have been the most influential theories of trauma in terms of generating testable hypotheses and directing current treatments (Salmon & Bryant, 2002). For this reason, we will attempt to critically evaluate this area of trauma theory with reference to other popular theories, the research evidence, clinical practice and developmental factors.
Information Processing Theories of Trauma Response
Information-processing models relating to trauma are based on Lang’s (1977) suggested that emotions are stored in memory networks containing information about stimuli, responses, and meanings regarding emotional events. Lang proposed that patients with anxiety disorders have unusually coherent and stable fear memories that are easily activated by stimulus elements that may be ambiguous but bear some resemblance to the contents of the memory (Brewin & Holmes, 2003). Adapting this theory to PTSD, Foa et al. (1989) proposed that following a traumatic event, a fear network is formed that stores information about sources of threat. These networks contain trauma related representations strongly associated with fear that can be activated by external or internal cues. They also contain a set of responses to threatening stimuli and situations that produce a fight, flight, or freeze reaction that proved adaptive during the traumatic incident. In exploring fear reactions, Foa and Kozak (1986b) cite that what differentiates PTSD from anxiety disorders is that the trauma is of such significance that it violates and destabilizes the individual’s basic sense of safety. As a result, experiences that previously felt safe become associated with danger and subsequent fear and terror. Also, fear networks in PTSD have a much lower threshold of activation, as well as a bias towards searching for and identifying threatening information. These discoveries led to increased interest
Introduction
Cognitive theories that focus on information processing have been the most influential theories of trauma in terms of generating testable hypotheses and directing current treatments (Salmon & Bryant, 2002). For this reason, we will attempt to critically evaluate this area of trauma theory with reference to other popular theories, the research evidence, clinical practice and developmental factors.
Information Processing Theories of Trauma Response
Information-processing models relating to trauma are based on Lang’s (1977) suggested that emotions are stored in memory networks containing information about stimuli, responses, and meanings regarding emotional events. Lang proposed that patients with anxiety disorders have unusually coherent and stable fear memories that are easily activated by stimulus elements that may be ambiguous but bear some resemblance to the contents of the memory (Brewin & Holmes, 2003). Adapting this theory to PTSD, Foa et al. (1989) proposed that following a traumatic event, a fear network is formed that stores information about sources of threat. These networks contain trauma related representations strongly associated with fear that can be activated by external or internal cues. They also contain a set of responses to threatening stimuli and situations that produce a fight, flight, or freeze reaction that proved adaptive during the traumatic incident. In exploring fear reactions, Foa and Kozak (1986b) cite that what differentiates PTSD from anxiety disorders is that the trauma is of such significance that it violates and destabilizes the individual’s basic sense of safety. As a result, experiences that previously felt safe become associated with danger and subsequent fear and terror. Also, fear networks in PTSD have a much lower threshold of activation, as well as a bias towards searching for and identifying threatening information. These discoveries led to increased interest
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