Please show restraint: excessive focus on catastrophic events can lead to greater psychological trauma.
Huaqiang Liu, Zhensong Lan, Qi Zhao, Fafang Deng, Xuefang Huang
BMC psychology October 18, 2024 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-02085-x via PubMed
Summary
Attention to catastrophic events is linked to increased psychological trauma through two pathways: negative emotions and empathy. A survey of 526 adults in Guangxi Province, China, found that both negative emotions and empathy mediated the relationship between attention and trauma. Mindfulness unexpectedly amplified the effect of negative emotions on trauma rather than buffering it. The findings suggest that when people pay attention to catastrophic events, they should remain sensible and restrained and avoid excessive emotional involvement to reduce psychological trauma.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Observational cross-sectional survey Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 526 |
| Population | Adults in Guangxi Province, China |
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Catastrophic event Chain meditation Emotional state Empathy |
| Key finding | Attention to catastrophic events is associated with increased psychological trauma through the mediating roles of negative emotions and empathy, and mindfulness amplifies rather than buffers the impact of negative emotions on trauma. |
Abstract
This study explored the relationship between attention, negative emotions, empathy, mindfulness, and psychological trauma in catastrophic events to reduce psychological trauma in the public. A total of 526 adults in Guangxi Province, China, were investigated using self-rating scales for post-traumatic stress disorder, emotion, and empathy, as well as a five-factor self-rating mindfulness scale and a catastrophic incident concern questionnaire. The results revealed the following: (1) Emotion significantly mediated attention and psychological trauma. (2) Empathy had a significant mediating effect on attention and psychological trauma. (3) Mindfulness moderated the relationship between negative emotions and psychological trauma, amplifying the impact of emotions on trauma rather than buffering it. When people pay attention to catastrophic events, they should remain sensible and restrained, and avoid excessive emotional involvement to reduce the excessive psychological trauma caused by the event.