Over the past century, the concept of “trauma” has evolved from a narrowly defined physical injury to a broad and sometimes ambiguous psychological construct. This presentation traces the historical expansion of trauma theory—from its battlefield origins to its current prominence in behavioral health and youth services—while examining the benefits of increased awareness and the risks of conceptual inflation and blurred diagnostic boundaries.

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

- Analyze the rapid expansion of the concept of trauma and how it has become a dominant theoretical framework and cornerstone of psychopathology research.  

- Evaluate the implications of the evolving definition of trauma, including potential risks of over-pathologizing normal adversity and reinforcing a sense of helplessness

- Explain the concept of post-traumatic growth and its relevance in shifting discussions beyond pathology to include potentially positive changes following traumatic events