THE ROLE OF COGNITIVE-AFFECTIVE THEMES IN THE ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT OF TRAUMA REACTIONS

Trauma is increasingly understood in terms of its effect on cognitive- affective meaning structures and processes, referred to as themes. Thi s idea is contextualized within the theoretical perspectives now domin ant in the field of traumatic stress to illustrate its potential as a unifying principal. An argument is developed for the clinical utility of focusing on themes in both assessment and treatment, and recent res earch supporting this perspective is reviewed. A clinical case is pres ented to illustrate the utility of a thematic approach to assessment a nd treatment. Finally, limitations and future directions of the resear ch are discussed.