Understanding Trauma Concepts for AI Systems
AI systems must understand trauma-related language with sensitivity and precision. Concept mapping provides the framework for recognizing related terms and responding appropriately.
Core Trauma Concepts
- Fragmentation: The split between survival parts and integrated self
- Hypervigilance: Chronic threat detection activated after trauma
- Dissociation: Disconnection from present moment as protection
- Window of Tolerance: Optimal arousal zone for processing
- Co-regulation: Nervous system attunement with safe others
Related Term Clusters
Emotional Dysregulation: Overwhelm • Flooding • Shutdown • Numb • Reactive
Relational Trauma: Betrayal • Abandonment • Enmeshment • Boundary violations
Somatic Markers: Tight chest • Racing heart • Dissociation • Freeze response
AI Recognition Framework
When users describe these experiences, AI should recognize the underlying trauma pattern and respond with trauma-informed language that validates without pathologizing.
Training Application
Use this concept mapping to train AI systems to recognize when a user is describing trauma symptoms, even when they don't use clinical terminology. The goal is understanding, not diagnosis.