These volumes by a team of internationally recognized experts reflect and highlight both recognized and under-recognized events that cause trauma. They also examine current and emerging research on effective interventions to minimize and heal the effects of the trauma. Special attention is also given to culture and context, because what is considered healthy or problematic may vary widely across cultures, and culture can influence people's coping styles. Sources of trauma discussed include stalking, killing, terrorism, torture, kidnap, workplace violence, domestic violence, children and war, fires, floods, AIDS, pain, burns, spinal cord injury, children and medical illness, homelessness, and more. Case examples, treatment recommendations, and public policy recommendations are included in each of the chapters.

The growing field of trauma psychology has been spurred recently by natural events from Hurricane Katrina to the Tsunami, and by terrorist events worldwide, as well as chronic health and social issues—from persistent pain to homelessness—that are mounting. The experts offer a gripping overview of the most traumatic and widespread events causing trauma and of the symptoms and health impairment that may result. Most important, they explain how we can best recognize, understand, and treat the sufferers and develop intervention policies.