Author: Nadine Hutchison
Hutchison, Nadine, 2025 Connected by Trauma: Investigating the nature and effects of shared traumatic experiences, Flinders University, College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
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People share traumatic events with others, for instance, by being present during the same event or discussing the event. However, the existing literature lacks an integrated understanding of the nature and effects of shared traumatic experiences.
My thesis aimed to address this gap in the literature by investigating 1) when, how, how often, and with whom people share traumatic events, 2) how different shared experiences are interrelated, and 3) how shared experiences influence psychological functioning (e.g., anxiety, traumatic stress).
My research demonstrated that traumatic events are inherently shared. People share traumatic events in many unique ways (e.g., subjectively, emotionally, verbally) and these shared experiences are closely linked to one another. Further, sharing trauma is associated with less severe posttraumatic stress symptoms, however who we share trauma with (e.g., family, strangers) can influence this relationship. My findings reveal a novel holistic framework that advances our understanding of social experiences implicated in trauma.
Keywords: Shared experiences, Trauma, Autobiographical memory, Social influences, Social processes, Psychological functioning
Subject: Psychology thesis
Thesis type: Doctor of Philosophy
Completed: 2025
School: College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
Supervisor: Melanie Takarangi