Trauma can have significant effects on decision making due to its impact on various aspects of a person's cognitive and emotional functioning. Here are some ways trauma can influence decision making:
Hyperarousal and Hypervigilance: Trauma survivors may experience persistent feelings of hyperarousal, which means being constantly on edge and hypervigilant to potential threats. This heightened state of alertness can lead to impulsive decisions or difficulty in assessing risks and benefits calmly.
Avoidance: Trauma survivors often develop avoidance behaviors to cope with distressing memories or triggers. This can lead to avoiding decision-making situations altogether or making decisions solely based on avoiding potential triggers, which may not always be in their best interest.
Re-experiencing Symptoms: Trauma can cause intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares, making it challenging to focus on present decision-making tasks. Past trauma may interfere with a person's ability to think clearly and make rational choices.
Emotional Regulation Difficulties: Trauma can disrupt a person's ability to regulate emotions effectively. Decision-making often involves weighing pros and cons, which can be difficult when emotions are overwhelming or unpredictable.
Cognitive Distortions: Trauma can lead to the development of cognitive distortions, such as negative self-beliefs or catastrophic thinking. These distortions can cloud judgment and influence decision-making in a negative way.
Risk Perception: Trauma can alter how a person perceives risks and benefits. Some individuals may become overly risk-averse, avoiding potentially positive opportunities due to fear, while others may become more reckless as a way to cope with feelings of powerlessness.
Dissociation: In response to trauma, some individuals may dissociate, which means mentally disconnecting from their current reality. This can interfere with decision-making processes as they may feel detached or numb to the situation at hand.
Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy: Trauma can significantly impact self-esteem and self-efficacy, leading individuals to doubt their abilities to make sound decisions or believe they are undeserving of positive outcomes.
It's important to recognize that not all trauma survivors will experience the same effects on decision making, and individual responses can vary widely. Some individuals may develop resilience and adaptive coping strategies, allowing them to make effective decisions despite their traumatic experiences. Others may struggle with decision-making until they receive appropriate support and therapeutic interventions.
If you or someone you know is dealing with trauma's effects on decision making, seeking help from a mental health professional can be beneficial. Therapy can provide tools to cope with trauma-related challenges and improve decision-making skills in various life areas.