Abstract
Many missionaries suffer from a variety of psychological, physical, and spiritual injuries. Many are the result of living and working in environments characterized by violence, disease, inhumane living conditions, social oppression, and political corruption. Trauma, by definition, involves experiences that overwhelm an individual's ability to cope and hence to make sense of certain life events. In this light, post-traumatic responses can be seen as attempts to master feelings of helplessness, terror, and guilt.
The intent of this paper is to provide missionaries, as well as supportive personnel, a framework with which to make sense of and thus to deal with the destructive effects of unresolved trauma. Trauma is rarely understood and often mistreated, even by many members of the psychology profession. This paper will address trauma in regard to its definition, its various forms, its short-and long-term effects, and its implications for ministry. Considerations regarding treatment and prevention will also be addressed.
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