Which term describes the psychological response to traumatic events that can impair functioning?

• A. Coping skills
• B. Emotional intelligence
• C. PTSD
• D. Work culture

Answer: (C)

Traumatic events can trigger a lasting mental health reaction that, when persistent and impairing daily life, is called PTSD. It involves ongoing symptoms such as intrusive memories or flashbacks, avoidance of reminders, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and heightened arousal or reactivity, lasting more than a month and causing significant distress or impairment in functioning. Coping skills are about how a person handles stress, not a disorder. Emotional intelligence centers on recognizing and managing emotions in oneself and others, not a trauma-related condition. Work culture concerns the workplace environment, not a psychological response to trauma. So the term that best describes the response to traumatic events that can impair functioning is PTSD.