Oscillating between denial and recognition of PTSD: why are lessons learned and forgotten?
Consistent observations suggest that denial of PTSD and blaming of its victims are not isolated omissions or distortions but a pattern that spans over time, crosses national and cultural boundaries, and defies accumulated knowledge. This article traces the origins of these attitudes and offers three explanations: (a) mental health professionals are unable to transcend prevailing cultural and social norms; (b) they are "blinded" by professional theories; and (c) denial may stem from a fundamental human difficulty in comprehending and acknowledging our own vulnerability.
Solomon
Z
Z
School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University.
D001007:Anxiety; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D017767:Holocaust / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D011582:Psychological Theory; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D013534:Survival / Q000523:psychology*