4 Trauma Responses That Double As Superpowers

The ability to deliver exceptional results under extraordinary pressure or stress.

Leonardo Monção

By Shahida Arabi

As a researcher specializing in trauma, I find that survivors of trauma often identify both the positive and maladaptive elements of their trauma responses while still validating the pain they experienced. When we think of trauma responses, we often focus on how they impair and debilitate us, and for good reason. When our trauma responses cause dysfunction, they can wreak havoc, creating barriers to our ability to set boundaries and lead healthy lives. Healing in those circumstances is paramount, and in no way are we saying anyone needs trauma to be stronger. Many survivors have lived through circumstances they should have never had to endure in the first place, and healing can be disrupted by toxic positivity and emotional bypassing. Yet there are certain trauma responses that can also double as superpowers and can be adaptive depending on the context. Without emotionally bypassing trauma, we can better understand these adaptive elements of trauma responses to recognize the skills and behaviors that can help on the healing journey. Here are the four common trauma responses that can double as superpowers.

The ability to deliver exceptional results under extraordinary pressure or stress.

Many trauma survivors, especially high-functioning complex trauma survivors, can attest to staying calm and engaging in complex, effective problem-solving even under situations of duress that would overwhelm most people. They have also developed key coping skills throughout their journey of trauma recovery — from mindfulness, to reframing, relaxation exercises, grounding techniques, and mind-body healing modalities to empower themselves when facing adversity. This ability to stay calm and resilient was illustrated most powerfully during the global pandemic. For example, a 2023 study of 16,900 trauma-exposed women showed that pre-pandemic resilience was associated with lower distress and higher well-being during the pandemic. Therapists also frequently reported that their clients who were trauma survivors felt they had the skills and resourcefulness to tackle the obstacles others…