The Connection Between Hopelessness and Trauma

Hopelessness is a common issue in therapy for those who experience depression or have experienced trauma in their life. Abramson et al. (1989) developed The Hopelessness Theory, which describes how hopelessness develops. The Hopelessness Theory proposes that for hopelessness to occur, three conditions must be met.

First, a chronic early negative life event must take place that shifts an individual’s perception of the world, people and events. When a negative life event first occurs an individual may notice it but not extensively internalize it or use it as a broader interpretation of the state of the world. However, when the negative life event or stressor becomes chronic or repetitive, the individual starts to form negative inferences about the cause of the stressor. They begin to see it as a piece of a larger picture, or as an example of a more generalized issue or negative perspective of the world. The first time someone yells at you and tells you that you are stupid, you may be annoyed or upset but be able to eventually shake it off. If you’re told that message day after day you may start to believe it, to internalize it or see it as an example that the world as a whole doesn’t understand you or judges you. This makes it a chronic negative event.

Second, being aware of or focused on these broader connections related to the negative event leads to the development of a negative inferential style (NIS) that becomes trait-like. This means that the individual is predisposed to assuming the negative - they perceive the cause of the negative event to consistently be large-scale and unchangeable, and regardless of any other nuances related to the event that person will interpret the situation as negative and harmful for them, which results in them internalizing negative self-characteristics.

Once the NIS becomes trait-like, a new potentially-unrelated negative life event (which is the third condition for the development of hopelessness) increases the likelihood of hopelessness to occur. This hopelessness can lead to challenges such as depression, suicidal ideation or suicidal behaviours.

For many, the negative life events mentioned in the theory can also be considered traumatic events. Without these negative or traumatic events occurring the negative traits or characteristics a person carries won’t necessarily shift into hopelessness, but might instead present as pessimism or criticisms of self, others or the world. Feelings of hopelessness can be difficult to manage and can impact multiple dimensions of an individual’s life, however processing these events and working on your predisposition to assume the negative is possible. Understanding where your hopelessness comes from and finding the right supports are the first steps.

If this article resonates for you, and you or someone you know is looking for support to address thoughts of helplessness or experiences of trauma, please contact our intake and administration team to set up a free consultation with one or more of our clinicians. A number of our clinicians, including Aleena, can support you through this with empathy and understanding.

About the Author

Aleena Kazi, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), is an individual and child therapist at The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre. She works with clients on issues of trauma, depression, anxiety, stress and identity.