temporal

This distortion of time, called temporal disintegration, can isolate people in a stressful moment and disrupt the linear flow of time that weaves our life story together, affecting personal identity.

However, there is a lack of information about how trauma-related distortions in perceived time may be associated with our perceptions of the future, creating a gap in understanding the lasting impacts of temporal disintegration.

In a 2023 essay at PsyPost, Eric Dolan explains the concept of “temporal disintegration” and its implications:

Experiencing a psychological phenomenon known as temporal disintegration during or shortly after a collective trauma is associated with higher levels of distress both in the immediate aftermath and over time, according to new research published in Clinical Psychological Science.

The findings suggest that the acute temporal distortions experienced during a trauma are an important contributor to future expectations and fears.