Psychological trauma is damage to the mind that occurs as a result of a distressing event and often occurs as a result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one's ability to cope with the emotions involved with that experience. Trauma may result from a single distressing experience or recurring events of being overwhelmed that can be precipitated in weeks, years, or even decades as the person struggles to cope with the immediate circumstances, eventually leading to serious, long-term negative consequences.
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Journal of Psychology & Psychotherapy