Risk Factors for
Mental Health Effects After an Accident
Predicting how a particular individual may respond to a car accident is impossible. Anyone can experience mental trauma after a car accident. However, numerous characteristics increasing the risk of a strong trauma response following a car accident have been identified.
Lower Resilience
Resilience is the ability to recover from emotional trauma and adapt to sudden changes, such as disabling physical injuries. People with a higher degree of resilience are generally less likely to suffer severe and prolonged emotional trauma after a car accident.
A 2016 study found that certain psychological characteristics decrease resilience, which increases the risk of a psychiatric or psychological disorder following a car accident. These characteristics include the following:
- Lack of a fear of death.
- Severe physical suffering.
- Real or perceived social disapproval.
By contrast, people who love life and have hope for the future typically have higher resilience. It is important to note that resilience, or lack thereof, is not a measure of strength or superiority. People with lower resilience may have experienced trauma in the past or other challenges that make them more vulnerable.
Reduced Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy is confidence that you can reach your goals in the face of unexpected challenges. If you have a high level of self-efficacy, you have a lower risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder or other mental health disorders after a traumatic event such as a car accident.
People with a high level of self-efficacy have often overcome hurdles in the past. Their confidence comes from knowing they can manage difficult circ*mstances. Self-efficacy is also higher in people with a strong social support network.
Difficulties With Emotion Regulation
Emotion regulation is the ability to identify, understand, and accept negative emotions. It includes the ability to continue to pursue positive goals even amid distress. People who have difficulties regulating emotions are more vulnerable to developing post-traumatic stress disorder.
Perceived Threat to Life
Experiencing a threat to your life is one of the most important factors in predicting whether you may develop PTSD in response to a car accident. For many car accident survivors, the threat of death isn’t limited only to the accident. Your life may hang in the balance for days or weeks following the accident if you’ve suffered severe injuries, such as widespread burns and organ damage.
Severe Physical Injuries
Car accident injuries can be life-altering, especially if they involve the following:
- Spinal cord injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia.
- Moderate or severe traumatic brain injuries.
- Loss of one or more limbs.
- Loss of bodily functions such as bowel or bladder control.
- Severe, widespread burns.
- Severe scarring or other forms of disfigurement.
These injuries can result in complete dependence on others, loss of financial and social status, and chronic pain. This can create a cascade of thoughts and emotions, including a fixation on the accident. Physical and hormonal changes can also contribute to emotional dysregulation and a lower tolerance to stress. This may be why multiple studies have found an association between PTSD and injury severity.
Lack of Social Support
The support of loving friends and family members has long been established as an important protective factor against developing post-traumatic stress disorder. A strong support system can provide you with an outlet to express negative emotions, provide comfort, and enhance treatment.
Friends and family members can help you maintain a routine, restore a sense of normalcy, and provide reassurance about the future.
