Read the following scenario. Based on the cognitive processes described, identify the individual's core negative belief about the event and explain how their subsequent actions perpetuate their distress.

Analyzing a Post-Traumatic Response

Within the cognitive model of PTSD, negative appraisals refer to the detrimental interpretations an individual makes about a traumatic event and its aftermath, such as feelings of self-blame. These negative thoughts can lead to dysfunctional behaviors, like avoidance, which in turn reinforce the PTSD symptoms by preventing the individual from correcting their problematic beliefs and integrating the traumatic memory.

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The cognitive model of PTSD, proposed by Ehlers and Clark (2000), posits that cognitive factors are central to how the disorder develops and persists. This theory identifies two critical processes: disturbances in how memories of the traumatic event are processed and stored, and the negative interpretations an individual makes about the trauma and its consequences.

Cognitive Model of PTSD

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

A key component of the cognitive model of PTSD is the concept of memory disturbances. This idea suggests that traumatic memories are often not encoded properly, resulting in recollections that are fragmented, disorganized, and devoid of meaningful context. Instead of a coherent narrative, individuals may be left with intrusive, isolated memory fragments that are easily triggered by related cues.

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