What Is Trauma? A Critique and Definition

The term "trauma" is ambiguous, even in formal academic literature. In this article, I will argue for a more precise definition of psychological trauma that I believe will aid researchers in investigating the phenomenon. Methodologically, I first focus on event-based trauma to form a definition. I begin with a brief exploration of the early development of trauma as a concept. Then I outline three criteria for a definition of event-based trauma: (1) the definition must provide a causal link between a traumatic event, experience, and effects, (2) the definition must provide a way to demarcate trauma from nontrauma, and (3) the definition must broadly cohere with posttraumatic stress disorder research. From there, I move to examining and critiquing some of the most widespread definitions of trauma using insight from each definition to hone the discussion. As part of the critique, I examine neurobiological and psychological research to help clarify and narrow each definition. Once I arrive at a definition for event-based trauma, I will attempt to modify the definition in such a way as to preserve trauma's essence as a mental wound and yet leave conceptual room to allow for instances of trauma that are not linked to a single extramental event. I conclude that trauma is a negative response to an extramental stimulus (or stimuli) whereby the stimulus (or stimuli) is judged to be too overwhelming to bear and the response is characterized by a disruption in the normal connection between identity and experience. Last, I consider this definition in light of accumulated trauma and collective trauma. Public Significance Statement This article seeks to clarify the meaning of "trauma" in psychological contexts to better facilitate communication among researchers, clinicians, and the educated public. To arrive at a more precise definition, this article employs conceptual analysis of both the early development of trauma and contemporary frequently used definitions while engaging with psychological, neurological, and physiological literature.