The Impact of Exposure to Potentially Traumatic Events on Physical Health

Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) is associated with negative alterations in biology that may create greater risk of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and immunological problems. PTEs may also negatively affect physical health through two modifiable pathways (i.e., dysregulation of stress reactions, emotional inhibition), which can operate in conjunction with, or independent of, negative health behaviors and psychopathological disorders. Such pathways can serve as additional treatment targets for PTE-exposed persons in healthcare settings.