The literature pertaining to traumatology offers a number of constructs describing various forms of psychological injury that can be sustained when experiencing, witnessing or learning about shocking events (e.g. domestic violence, child abuse, disasters, murder, rape, war, political torture). The impressive catalog of psychological injuries attests to the interest in understanding how individuals experience shocking events and the psychological injury they endure as a result.
Although the development of new constructs advance the counseling and helping professions and provide valuable information, the task of differentiating one construct from another for assessment/treatment purposes can be frustrating and confusing. Furthermore, counselor educators, students and professionals are left having to wade through various sources of information in an attempt to compare symptomatology, assessment instruments and treatment approaches.
The purpose of this book is to provide a source that identifies, condenses, and consolidates information pertaining to psychological injury. In addition to providing details regarding construct definition, information pertaining to symptomatology, assessment instruments (e.g. structured interview, questionnaires), treatment options, leading theoreticians, journals, books, and web sites are also included. This book will serve as a primary source and directory for additional information pertaining to psychological injury. To date, there has not been a concerted effort to synthesize and consolidate the literature of psychological injury and present this valuable information in a systematic and methodological fashion.
