Secondary Behaviours of iPTS
Secondary behaviours are also important in understanding the PTSD phenomenon, for it is these that both reinforce the primary behaviours, and give meaning to them as these are at the core of the response.
Secondary behaviours are those that arise out of that primary response and are often overlooked or misinterpreted.
It is the secondary behaviours that may be the root cause of the emergence and perpetuance of the primary behaviours. These must be studied to acquire a complete picture of the issue. Again, the DSM-IV-TR makes no mention of secondary behaviours, neither in broad, nor concise description. This is evidence of a short-circuit in the feedback loop: a lack of insight from data collected in the lived experience of PTSD and the impact of treatment.
It begs to ask what influence do secondary behaviours have on the development of identity and self image in relation to PTSD and mental conditions in general.
Context Behaviour
Walking on eggshells. Wide range of insecurities.
Unjustified punishment or outburst Mistrust in others and systems.
Retaliation against authority figures.
Emotional absence in parent Emotional mismanagement in adolescence and beyond.
Lack of emotional guidance.
Lack of effective parenting skills.
Mum as buffer High levels of responsibility expected in mothers
Leads to guilt when own parenting fails.
Rare moments of emotional connection High value placed on positives.
Very protective of personal space possessions and family.
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