Dual representation theory

[1] This theory proposes that certain symptoms of PTSD - such as nightmares, flashbacks, and emotional disturbance - may be attributed to memory processes that occur after exposure to a traumatic event.

[3] This theory suggests that the VAM system is impaired during a traumatic event because conscious attention is narrowly drawn to threat-related information.

The SAM system captures vivid sensory information during the traumatic event, which is automatically recalled through exposure to trauma-related triggers.

Brewin and colleagues noted that each of the two theory camps focused on characteristics of PTSD that were distinct and may be explained by different underlying processes.

Some of these factors may include severity and duration of the trauma, existing schemas about the self and the world, social support, and the presence of guilt or shame.

Chronic emotional processing can occur due to severe or ongoing trauma, lack of social support, or inability to integrate the traumatic experience into existing schemas.

This occurs when an individual avoids internal (e.g. thoughts, emotions, sensations) and external (e.g. people, places, situations) stimuli that activate trauma-related SAMs and VAMs.

These studies have found that playing the game TETRIS after exposure to distressing stimuli reduces the number of intrusive thoughts.

[8][9][10] Research into the human experience of natural disaster and crisis recognises that there is a large emotional component that requires addressing in order to prevent post traumatic mental health difficulties.

[11] Some studies have found that providing contextual information before exposure to distressing stimuli actually increases the frequency of intrusive thoughts.