A case study of complex trauma in a Catholic framework

Abstract

This dissertation first presents a theoretical framework from which to conceptualize the diagnosis of Complex Trauma within a Catholic perspective. Then a particular case of a patient with complex trauma is presented in order to apply the theoretical framework to the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The first part of this dissertation, theoretical in nature, proposes a new conceptualization involving integration within a Catholic framework. I first present a Personalistic conceptualization of the human person based on the philosophy of Pope John Paul II. I refer to him throughout this dissertation by his birth name, Karol Wojtyla, when the referenced work was published as a philosophical work. I refer to him as John Paul II when referencing material from the “ Theology of the Bod y,” as this material was taught during the Pope's “Wednesday Audiences” and has a place in official Papal authority. (More on this distinction can be found in Christopher West's explanation in the prologue of his Theology of the Body Explained .) Within this framework I also present an overview of attachment theory as it relates to a child's development. I then show how the teachings of the Church regarding the family integrate with attachment theory in general. These teachings and their integration with attachment theory are then connected to the etiology of complex trauma. I then introduce the concept of complex trauma as a diagnosis. Complex trauma has been somewhat controversial and was not included as a separate diagnosis in the latest APA diagnostic manual. I present evidence to substantiate the importance and practicality of this diagnosis. Next, I show how the Catholic conceptualization of the human person serves to illuminate the diagnosis of complex trauma. Finally, I show how the Catholic teaching on marriage integrates with attachment literature on adult marital attachment. I will present an interpretation of the marital dynamics, especially of a Catholic model of marriage, that contribute to the healing of attachment wounds as they are expressed in developments that occur in the spousal relationship within marital therapy. For the second part of the dissertation I present a defense of the case study approach to show how it is a useful tool for psychologists and worthy of a dissertation. Following this introduction, I present a particular case study of a 61 year-old man who has suffered the effects of complex trauma for most of his life. This case study fulfills the guidelines set forth in the previous discussion of case studies in general.