Impact of Traumatic Events on Brain, Behavior, and Memory among Young Adults
Abstract: Trauma can have a significant influence on an individual's psychological functioning, behaviour, emotional control, and memory. It can occur due to many reasons such as accidents, abuse, violence, domestic disputes, natural calamities, bereavement, and other stressful instances. The current research project aims to investigate the effects of traumatic incidents on brain functions, behaviour, and memory in young adults from 18-30 years of age. 100 young adults participated in this study and data was collected using a Structured Questionnaire in the Google Forms. The Life Events Checklist for DSM-5 (LEC-5) was used to identify exposure to potentially traumatic incidents; and, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Everyday Memory Questionnaire (EMQ) were used to assess trauma-related symptoms, emotional regulation problems, and daily memory issues. The demographic data revealed that 39% aged between 18-21 years, 45% 22-25 years, and 16% were between 26-30 years. Females accounted for 73%, males 25%, and 2% chose not to disclose their gender. Trauma symptoms were reported as mild by 30%, moderate by 45%, and severe by 25% of the sample. For the analysis of trauma-related symptoms, 80 qualified and consenting respondents were included, with 48.75% showing few symptoms, 40% moderate and 11.25% high. The results suggest that traumatic experiences could cause problems in emotional regulation, distraction, behaviour, and memory. However, the results are based on self-report data only and must not be construed as demonstrating brain changes nor making a diagnosis of PTSD.
Keywords: Traumatic Events, Brain, Behavior, Memory, PTSD, Emotional Regulation, Young Adults
How to Cite?: Fatima Sahiba, Dr. Shivanand Pawar, "Impact of Traumatic Events on Brain, Behavior, and Memory among Young Adults", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 353-358, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR261003200931, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR261003200931