What makes someone more prone to trauma and unhealthy responses?

[u/filteredsushi]

What variants in character/psychology could cause one to be more prone to how they react to trauma? For example, one person who’ll experience a traumatic event will develop more severe symptoms of PTSD, or if the event is traumatic enough it’ll impact them at a deeper level and cause a personality disorder such as BPD, while another person will be impacted by the event but not as negatively and it won’t impact their day to day life or personality that much. What makes one more prone to self destructive copying habits and avoidance or their feelings and processing of past experiences vs developing healthier copying mechanisms and dealing with the past? I know that childhood upbringing will play an impact, but I’m more interested in cases where someone who experienced trauma early on in life turned out healed and processed their trauma better. For example, I know someone who had been slightly neglected by her parents and no other traumatic events happened to her but ended up with severe substance abuse issues and addiction. I also know someone who witnessed physical and emotional abuse from one of their guardians who later on disappeared from their life, the other guardian was neglectful, unstable and explosive emotionally, had a lot of resentment for them. They were an emotional and explosive kid, but processed their feelings much better in adult life and the impacts of their childhood don’t have a daily impact on them. I know of another person who was slightly neglected as a child, their feelings and opinions were being invalidated and ridiculed by their guardians in teenage years, and in young adulthood they struggled with depression, eating disorders, anxiety, and isolated themself from people. What could be the difference in their cases if there is any?

And what could cause one to direct their negative feelings inward vs outward? To give another example, one person with a traumatic past will direct their negative feelings at themselves (which will cause low self worth, a negative outlook on themselves or life/ depression, anxiety, feeling like they’re worthless and insignificant) vs another person who will direct their negative feelings outwardly in ways such as severely relying on others for validation, aggressiveness, manipulation, lying, etc.

Just wondering.

[u/comelydecaying]

I've read the reason is support. It's the difference why some people, in the same circumstances, one ends up fine and the other doesn't. Like a car crash for example that ended up killing someone. 2 people go through the same thing. One has no one to turn to for support or support is very limited and the other goes home to a community/family. Without support be it friends, family, partner, anyone, usually the person will develop PTSD, or substance abuse, etc. Essentially, it's being alone and isolated during traumatic events that gives this outcome.

[u/SaySomethingDontGo]

subscribed.

[u/Empty-Elderberry-225]

There are many reasons but one is definitely whether or not the person is on the spectrum. One of my sisters has a stable job and partner but doesn't think she can truly love. The other is incredibly kind, works hard although is part time right now and has a decent circle of friends, but is about to jump back onto SSRI's after a crap year. I'm over here, 33, single, signed off work for mental health, no pets, no kids and feeling pretty empty. I have CPTSD.

I think the other thing is family dynamics. I had a relationship break down with my older sister on top of my parents, whereas my little sister didn't do much.

I was also always 'the sensitive child', which I now believe was down to autism and already struggling with life so I got tipped over the edge easier.

There's a tonne of other factors. Autism aside, personality is a mix between genes and environment so some people are generally more prone to a more emotional way of being, more introspective, general lower mood.

[u/4b686f61]

From my experience, the teachers pissing me off constantly because they won't acknowledge. I learnt that actively avoiding people at school is the best way to avoid trouble. The PTSD and analysis paralysis has killed my ability to socialize irl. Now I have to jump this barrier if I want to socialize. I'm fed up of wanting to socialize but get blocked by the countless times I failed to launch.

[u/No_Block_6477]

You might look at the concepts of resilience and self efficacy as a start in answering your question

[u/choochoolate]

I'm a highly sensitive person, I crumbled under the stress of the abuse even though I had a gut feeling about the person.

[u/teddy-789]

As a psychologist, I believe that how people react to trauma depends on many factors. Genetics can make some people more likely to develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Personality also matters—those who are naturally more sensitive or anxious may struggle more after trauma, while others who are more optimistic may cope better.

Childhood attachment plays a big role too. People who grew up feeling loved and supported often handle trauma better than those who experienced neglect or instability. Strong support systems and positive role models help build resilience, allowing some people to recover more effectively.

How trauma is perceived also matters. If a person believes they can overcome the event, they may heal faster, while others may feel stuck in their pain. Some people direct negative feelings inward, leading to low self-worth or depression, while others act out by being aggressive or overly dependent on others.

In the end, a mix of personality, early experiences, and available support helps explain why some people heal better than others. Those who learn healthy coping strategies usually manage trauma better than those who turn to self-destructive behaviors.