Recurrent exposure to traumatic events: inoculation or growing vulnerability?

Abstract

Two opposed hypotheses have been proposed regarding the impact of a traumatic event in regards to future adversity: gradual inoculation or vulnerability. A thorough examination of research supporting these hypotheses indicate they are not as antagonistic as they appear. It seems possible to integrate the two into a singular theory in so far as circumstances favoring one and the other become better known. A few research strategies are proposed.