“Burned into my Brain:” Trauma Anniversary Reactions Examined from a Qualitative Perspective

Abstract

Given the clinical significance of trauma anniversary reactions (ARs) but a dearth of empirical research on them, we conducted a qualitative study to identify major concepts deriving from interviews with those who endure ARs. Snowball sampling serendipitously recruited primarily women (N = 13) who endorsed ARs caused by interpersonal violence and related traumas. The resulting model detailed phases of experiences of ARs from the interviews conducted. Specifically, participants reported a waxing and waning of PTSD symptoms, and their experiences reflected major concepts of self-reflection, social connection, and making meaning of the trauma. We discuss ways results of this study could motivate future study, such as conceptualizing ARs from existential and logo-therapeutic traditions.

Keywords:

• Trauma
• anniversary reactions
• cognitive
• existential
• qualitative

Acknowledgment

We want to acknowledge and thank the participants who offered their time and stories to us. This research was unfunded.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

Given the sensitive nature of the interviews, data can be shared upon request addressed to the corresponding author.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Madeline J. Bruce

Madeline J. Bruce, MS is a PhD Candidate in Clinical Psychology at Saint Louis University.

Hisako Matsuo

Hisako Matsuo, PhD is a Professor of Research Methodology and Sociology in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology.