Cumulative trauma
Cumulative trauma is the psychological distress and structural erosion of the self that results from the long-term, repeated, and frequent exposure to subtle, low-intensity stressors or micro-traumas. While none of the individual episodes may be inherently catastrophic on their own, their compounding and synergistic effect over time breaks down the individual's coping mechanisms and psychological resilience. Cumulative trauma shifts the baseline of functioning, frequently leading to complex emotional dysregulation, chronic dissociation, somatic complaints, and persistent interpersonal difficulties.
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