Professor Cherie Armour - Social Support and Traumatic Stress: Building Resilience Across the Lifespan

Complex trajectories of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been uncovered through extensive empirical work in the field of traumatic stress. Trajectories of symptoms that can persist, remit, or evolve across the lifespan are well-established. Understanding these symptom pathways is critical for supporting post-trauma recovery. This talk will present research on how social support, whether from family, peers, organisations, or communities can shape the course of PTSD and related outcomes. Drawing on studies of veterans, healthcare workers, and survivors of interpersonal and collective trauma, Professor Cherie Armour will highlight how supportive networks buffer against symptom escalation, promote recovery, and foster resilience. The session will conclude with implications for clinical practice, policy, and future research, underscoring that resilience is built not in isolation but through sustained networks of support and care.