THE PSYCHOLOGICAL CONTENT OF THE CONCEPTS OF TRAUMA, PTSD, AND POSTTRAUMATIC GROWTH: A SYSTEMIC ANALYSIS

Abstract

The article presents a systemic analysis of the psychological content of the core concepts in contemporary psychotraumatology – “trauma,” “post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)”, and “post-traumatic growth (ПТЗ)”. It is shown that the notion of “trauma” goes beyond a strictly medical or biological perspective and is interpreted as a psychosocial phenomenon that integrates individual experience, cultural context, and social conditions. The concept of PTSD is analyzed as a normative diagnostic category established in international classifications (DSM-5, ICD‑11), which defines a spectrum of symptoms associated with impaired adaptation mechanisms following exposure to traumatic events. At the same time, several debates are highlighted regarding the universality of PTSD criteria and the influence of cultural differences on its clinical presentation. Particular attention is given to the phenomenon of post-traumatic growth, which is considered in contemporary research as the outcome of a complex interplay of cognitive processes (reconstruction of core beliefs, meaningmaking), narrative strategies (re-authoring traumatic experiences within one’s life story), existential factors (value shifts, spirituality), and social support. It is emphasized that ПТЗ is not an automatic consequence of trauma but emerges only under specific individual and contextual conditions, including therapeutic interventions. The systemic analysis conducted allows for the integration of these concepts into a unified research framework, helping to avoid reductionism and to better understand the spectrum of psychological responses to trauma – from pathological outcomes (PTSD) to opportunities for transformative development (ПТЗ). The article concludes with the necessity of further development of multidisciplinary models that integrate cognitive, existential, and cultural-contextual approaches to the study of traumatic experience. Additionally, the practical significance of the obtained results is emphasized for both psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational practice, as the integration of knowledge about trauma, PTSD, and PTG contributes to the development of effective strategies for supporting individuals and communities, enhances the resourcefulness of professionals, and opens up prospects for designing psychological assistance programs in crisis and post-crisis contexts.