Abstract
Traumatic life events can affect a wide range of psychosocial consequences for survivors. In this chapter, we discuss the process of coping with trauma and posttraumatic adaptation. Social cognitive theory is proposed as a comprehensive theoretical framework able to account for various observations of posttrauma sequelae and guide further research. The human capacity to engage in self-evaluation and exercise agency to regulate behaviors are key components to adaptive coping. Coping self-efficacy (CSE) has emerged as a consistent and strong predictor of posttraumatic stress symptoms and other outcomes. Studies have supported the role of CSE following diverse types of traumatic events and in a variety of populations and posttraumatic contexts. Low CSE is associated with elevated levels of distress and poor outcomes, and high CSE is associated with lower levels of distress and more adaptive outcomes. CSE beliefs have also been shown to mediate the relationship between other key predictors of posttraumatic distress such as social support, loss of resources, and maladaptive posttraumatic cognitions. CSE beliefs are modifiable and may serve as a target for intervention following trauma to enhance the capacity for successful posttraumatic adaptation.
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Waldrep, E., Benight, C. (2015). Psychosocial Consequences: Appraisal, Adaptation, and Bereavement After Trauma. In: Cherry, K. (eds) Traumatic Stress and Long-Term Recovery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18866-9_11
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-18866-9_11
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