Anne Marsman: Trauma, Healing & Our Capacity – Financial Times
The limits of “Trauma”: Why Overusing the Term can Hinder Healing
Table of Contents
November 15, 2025
in recent years, the concept of trauma has expanded substantially in popular discourse. While acknowledging the profound impact of genuinely traumatic events is crucial, psychologist Anne Marsman cautions against the overuse of the term, arguing it can inadvertently diminish our understanding of resilience and impede the natural healing process.
The Expanding Definition of Trauma
Traditionally, trauma referred to deeply distressing or disturbing experiences that resulted in lasting emotional and psychological harm – events like war, natural disasters, or physical assault. However, the definition has broadened to encompass a wider range of adverse experiences, including everyday difficulties and disappointments. This expansion, while intended to be inclusive, risks pathologizing normal human suffering.
Why Overdiagnosis Can Be Detrimental
marsman, speaking to Het Financieele Dagblad, explains that labeling everything as trauma can undermine an individualS sense of agency and thier belief in their own capacity to cope. When challenges are automatically framed as traumatic, it can foster a sense of helplessness and prevent the progress of essential coping mechanisms. The expectation of needing to “recover from trauma” can, paradoxically, create a more prolonged experience of distress.
The Body’s Innate Healing Capacity
A core argument against the indiscriminate use of the trauma label is the recognition of the human body’s remarkable ability to heal. Marsman emphasizes that humans possess an inherent capacity to process challenging experiences and adapt to adversity. This natural resilience is often overlooked when every challenge is immediately categorized as trauma requiring specialized intervention.
Distinguishing Between Stress, Adversity, and trauma
It’s vital to differentiate between everyday stress, significant adversity, and genuine trauma. Stress is a normal response to demands and pressures, while adversity represents challenging circumstances that require effort and adaptation. Trauma, in contrast, involves experiences that overwhelm an individual’s coping resources and leave lasting psychological wounds. Recognizing these distinctions allows for appropriate responses – from self-care and social support for stress and adversity, to targeted therapeutic interventions for trauma.
The Importance of Meaning-Making
Marsman highlights the importance of meaning-making in the healing process. Rather than solely focusing on the negative aspects of an experience, individuals can find strength and growth by integrating it into their life narrative. This process of finding meaning can be empowering and contribute to a sense of post-traumatic growth, even in the face of significant hardship.
A Balanced Outlook
This isn’t to dismiss the validity of trauma or the suffering of those who have experienced it. Rather, it’s a call for a more nuanced and balanced perspective. Acknowledging both the potential for harm and the inherent capacity for healing is essential for fostering genuine well-being and empowering individuals to navigate life’s challenges with resilience.