Traumatic events trigger diverse responses

New study compares difficulties faced by survivors of life-threatening events

BOSTON — New investigations are beginning to untangle the many reactions that people have to the worst kinds of traumatic experiences, George Bonanno of Columbia University reported on May 28 at the Association for Psychological Science annual convention.

Between 35 percent and 65 percent of people who survive a life-threatening incident or some other distressing event exhibit few or no emotional difficulties over the next two years, Bonanno said.