Which of the following is a common reaction to traumatic stress?

Numbing is a common reaction to traumatic stress because it serves as a defensive mechanism to help individuals cope with overwhelming emotions and sensations following a traumatic experience. When someone encounters a highly distressing event, their ability to process emotions may become impaired, leading to a sense of emotional detachment or a decrease in responsiveness to personal feelings and the environment. This reaction can manifest as a lack of emotional response, feeling disconnected from oneself or others, or difficulty experiencing both positive and negative feelings.

Such numbing can temporarily protect the individual from emotional pain, allowing them to function in their daily life despite the underlying trauma. However, while it can be useful in the short term, prolonged numbing can hinder emotional healing and prevent the individual from fully processing their trauma. Understanding this reaction is critical in crisis intervention, as it can guide professionals in providing appropriate support and resources to help individuals gradually reconnect with their feelings and work through their experiences.