Understanding trauma as contextualized adverse life events that threaten the individual: Commentary in response to Marx et al. (2024)

Abstract

In this commentary, I propose that a person-oriented and research-focused approach can stimulate the discussion on the definition of a traumatic stressor and help to refine Criterion A in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Particularly, I suggest that a contextual perspective focusing on the interaction between event features and person-related factors captures more adequately the individual perception of and cognitions related to extremely threatening adverse life events for a diversity of individuals exposed to trauma. In future debate, I encourage the involvement of patients and the public and urge consideration of all potential consequences for practice and research that can directly result from changes to Criterion A (e.g., the heterogenization of posttraumatic stress disorder).