Is there a psychological benefit to receiving acknowledgement of harm inflicted by others?

From the Guidelines

Receiving acknowledgement of harm inflicted by others can have a positive psychological benefit, particularly in the context of trauma, as it validates emotional experiences and can facilitate healing and reconciliation. This is supported by a recent integrative review on the effectiveness of psychological first aid as a therapeutic intervention after trauma, which found that interventions incorporating elements of safety, calm, efficacy, and connectedness can have a positive effect on reducing anxiety and facilitating adaptive functioning 1. The review highlights the importance of active listening, relaxation, problem-solving, and social connection in the healing process, which can be facilitated by acknowledgement of harm.

When considering the psychological benefits of acknowledgement, it's essential to recognize that validation of emotional experiences can help restore a sense of justice and fairness, allowing individuals to feel seen and understood rather than dismissed or invalidated. This can be particularly important in cases of interpersonal violence, collective violence, or secondary trauma, where acknowledgement can serve as a crucial step in the healing process 1.

However, it's also important to note that seeking acknowledgement should not become an obsession or the sole focus of healing, as this can create unrealistic expectations and hinder the development of internal validation skills. Ultimately, while external validation can be helpful, developing internal validation skills and sometimes choosing to forgive even without acknowledgement may be necessary for long-term emotional wellbeing. The most recent and highest quality study on this topic, published in 2024, emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach to acknowledgement and healing, taking into account the complexities of trauma and the individual's unique experiences and needs 1.

Key points to consider include:

• The importance of validation in the healing process
• The role of acknowledgement in facilitating reconciliation and trust-building
• The need for a nuanced approach to acknowledgement, taking into account individual experiences and needs
• The potential risks of seeking acknowledgement as the sole focus of healing
• The importance of developing internal validation skills for long-term emotional wellbeing.

From the Research

Psychological Benefits of Receiving Acknowledgement of Harm

• Receiving acknowledgement of harm inflicted by others may have psychological benefits, particularly in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment 2, 3
• Trauma-focused psychotherapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), have been shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving psychological outcomes 4, 5, 3
• These therapies often involve acknowledging and processing the traumatic experience, which can lead to a sense of validation and recognition of the harm inflicted 2, 6
• While the exact mechanism of how acknowledgement of harm benefits psychological outcomes is not fully understood, research suggests that it may be an important component of effective PTSD treatment 2, 3

Evidence-Based Treatments for PTSD

• Evidence-based treatments for PTSD include trauma-focused psychotherapies, such as CBT and EMDR, as well as pharmacological interventions, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) 2, 3, 6
• These treatments have been shown to be effective in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving psychological outcomes, although the most effective treatment approach may vary depending on the individual and the specific circumstances of the traumatic experience 4, 5, 3
• Further research is needed to fully understand the benefits and limitations of different treatment approaches for PTSD, including the role of acknowledgement of harm in promoting psychological recovery 2, 6