by Kathleen Nader<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Guilt is a common response following loss and\/or traumatic experiences with significant victimization (e.g., after terrorist acts, war, personal victimization). When events result in severe traumatic reactions, multiple losses can occur. In addition to deaths, parts of one’s own nature (e.g., self-confidence, generosity) as well as resources, circumstances, and expectations can be altered or lost. Guilt can occur not only in relationship to what we ought or ought not to do but in relationship to our views about what we ought to be. What is possible under normal circumstances, however, is often not possible under traumatic circumstances. Therefore, assessing responsibility based on normal conditions for what happened during traumatic events may result in faulty assessment.
This paper is divided into three segments: understanding and assessing guilt, imagined guilt (e.g., survivor’s guilt), and guilt regarding actions taken or not taken that resulted in harm. The third segment may be less relevant to individuals who have survived terrorism and other unanticipated acts of violence (e.g., 9\/11\/2001, Oklahoma City bombing, Columbine and other school shootings, rape, assault).<\/p>\n\n\n\n