Reinders, Kyra (2024) From stillness to survival: a deep dive into the phenomenology of the Freeze response: a systematic review. Master thesis, Psychology.
|
Text
MasterthesisKyraReinderss4376552.pdf Download (801kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Abstract Background: Everybody reacts differently to situations. How an individual responds to a traumatic experience is shaped not only by the intensity but also by the duration of the experience. Yet, the impact of the same stressful situation can vary among individuals, largely due to differences in their genes, environment, social support, and physical and mental well-being (Cardinali, 2018). Objective: Within this systematic review, research is summarized which evaluates the psychological experiences of people experiencing a freeze response during a traumatic event (acute-, chronically response, tonic- or collapsed immobility). Method: A systematic search for publications was conducted using APA psycINFO. Out of the initial pool of 668 identified studies exploring the physiological experiences of people experiencing a freeze response during a traumatic event, the final analysis incorporated 10 studies comprising a total sample size of 872 participants. Results: The findings consistently underscore the correlation between tonic immobility (TI) during trauma and enduring psychological repercussions, particularly in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Emotional experiences, such as guilt and self-blame, heighten this association, especially when coupled with passive trauma responses. Sexual assault survivors display lasting guilt and shame stored in the 'fear network.' TI's robust predictive capacity for PTSD, surpassing panic responses, underscores its significance. Recommending Tonic Immobility Psychoeducation (TIP) integration in PTSD treatments, particularly for sexual assault survivors, is crucial. Peritraumatic dissociation is acknowledged as a notable PTSD risk factor. Sexual abuse survivors confront an increased risk of recurring trauma, PTSD, and TI, notably triggered by instances involving vaginal penetration. Longitudinal risk factors, including anger and shame, are identified for PTSD. Explorations of unique contexts, like grief-related trauma, unveil TI as a mediating factor. Diverse cognitive processing styles, encompassing mental confusion, elevate PTSD risk. The intricate nature of peritraumatic responses and their connection to PTSD and depressive symptoms necessitate further investigation, emphasizing tailored interventions, such as TIP, for vulnerable populations. Conclusion: Tonic immobility (TI) consistently emerges as a pivotal predictor of enduring psychological consequences, notably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The intricate interplay of emotional experiences, such as guilt and self-blame, amplifies this association, particularly in passive trauma responses. Sexual assault survivors, marked by persistent guilt and shame, display heightened vulnerability to TI. Its robust predictive capacity for PTSD, surpassing panic responses, underscores its relevance in trauma-related psychopathology. Recommending the integration of Tonic Immobility Psychoeducation (TIP) in PTSD interventions, especially for sexual assault survivors, becomes imperative. Distinct TI responses in various traumatic contexts, coupled with enduring risk factors like anger and shame, accentuate the need for nuanced, tailored interventions.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Master) |
|---|---|
| Supervisor name: | Cuijpers, L.S. |
| Degree programme: | Psychology |
| Differentiation route: | Ontwikkelingspsychologie (O) [Master Psychology] |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Jul 2024 14:45 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Jul 2024 14:45 |
| URI: | http://gmwpublic.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/id/eprint/3644 |
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |