The overlooked relationship between motivational abilities and posttraumatic stress: a review

Abstract

How does traumatic stress change the ability to motivate oneself to achieve certain goals? How do motivational abilities influence the development and course of trauma sequelae? Few studies have focused on motivational constructs within posttraumatic stress research. From a trauma research perspective, it can be hypothesized that traumatic stress may contribute to motivational dysfunction. The main goal of the present article is to fill this gap in research by reviewing and discussing the existing trauma literature in terms of motivation-related concepts, such as self-efficacy, locus of control, self-esteem, and self-control/impulsivity. Fifty-four studies were reviewed, 10 of which were longitudinal studies. Approximately 20% of the reviews assessed whether motivational concepts predict posttraumatic stress, whereas only 8% examined the reverse relationship. With the exception of a few studies, motivational constructs seem to predict posttraumatic stress over the life span. The strongest relationships were reported for self-efficacy, followed by locus of control and self-esteem and, lastly, impulsivity/self-control. Overall, the findings of this review indicate that there is a lack of research investigating motivational factors as outcome variables following traumatic experiences. Furthermore, the need for longitudinal studies and studies with older adults is noted.

Does Trauma Impair Self-Control? Differences in Delaying Gratification Between Former Indentured Child Laborers and Nontraumatized Controls

“…Because a literature review revealed a lack of studies exploring motivational factors as dependent variables after trauma exposure (Simmen-Janevska et al, 2012), this study sought to examine and compare delay discounting in elderly individuals who had and who had not experienced trauma in their early lives. Our hypotheses were that individuals that were physically or sexually abused in childhood would favor immediate gratification to a greater extent than nontraumatized individuals, even after controlling for sociodemographic and motivational variables and depressive symptoms.…”

“…The present research remains limited regarding the association between traumatic stress and delay discounting as a facet of self-control (Simmen-Janevska, Brandstätter, & Maercker, 2012). Among other potential mechanisms, however, trauma may lead to a depletion of self-control resources (e.g., by showing pronounced avoidance behavior), which, in turn, are essential for healthy recovery from a trauma.…”

“…Nevertheless, few other studies have explored the connection between trauma exposure and self-control/impulsivity, resulting in rather contradictory findings. Studies among older adults, however, are completely nonexistent (Simmen-Janevska et al, 2012).…”

Childhood trauma and resilience in old age: applying a context model of resilience to a sample of former indentured child laborers

“…Social support has been repeatedly shown to be a prime predictor of levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms (e.g., Brewin, Andrews, & Valentine, 2000). Furthermore, existing longitudinal studies indicate that self-efficacy is likely to mediate the effect of traumatic stress on subsequent psychopathology (e.g., Simmen-Janevska, Brandstatter, & Maercker, 2012).…”

The Framework of a Mathematical Model of the Autonomic Nervous System and Physiological Systems: Using the Neuroregulation of Blood Glucose as an Example

“…The most severe stresses e.g. the termination of a close relationship/or divorce, of being over-looked for promotion [206,207], the failure of a business venture [208], the death of a loved-one [209], of loneliness [209]; have pathological correlates which influence our subsequent health and behaviour. By contrast our genetic profile establishes the general traits which characterise our personality and our subsequent behaviour.…”