Factors that can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD include a history of previous traumatic experiences, pre-existing psychological diagnoses, a family history of psychological problems, feeling one's life was threatened during the event, lacking support after the event, experiencing feelings of fear, helplessness and horror during the event, and dissociating during the event. The extent of support after the traumatic incident, as well as the level of threat felt during the event impact PTSD risk. A history of trauma results in increased trauma responses over time through numbing and blocking mechanisms.

1. Factors that increase
PTSD
Factors that increase
PTSD

2.  Experience of another previous traumatic
event
with each trauma experience, trauma
responses increase. Cumulative
experience – numbing, blocking may also
increase over time

3. Psychological issues preceding
event
 Presence of a psychiatric diagnosis
increases likelihood someone will develop
PTSD

4. Family history of psychological
problems
 Inadequate models for coping, problem
solving
 Lack of parental bonding or support
 Lack of ability to handle developmental
tasks of children
 Parents who also suffer from PTSD are
often detached, unable to provide
appropriate emotional responses to
children

5. Extent to which life was
threatened
 Real or perceived

6. Support after the event
 Support from others
 Children being "believed”
 Emotional as well as task support

7. The persons response during the
event
 Fear
 Helplessness
 Horror
 Guilt
 Shame
All increase likelihood of PTSD

8. dissociation
 Number one predictor of PTSD