What exactly is trauma and what is the impact of trauma on mind and brain? Under which circumstances are people most vulnerable for the consequences of trauma exposure? What are the key factors that can buffer the impact of trauma? Can traumatic experiences and its effects on mind and brain be transmitted from one generation to the next? What does it essentially mean to recover from trauma?

Exposure to trauma is a relatively common experience. With its ancients roots, our stress system is a highly efficient and functional system and the majority of individuals recovers from experiencing trauma after an initial period of shock and distress. However, under certain circumstances traumatic events may leave long-lasting traces in mind and brain, with major consequences for wellbeing and functioning in daily life. This happens especially when traumatic events occur early in life and are chronic. With trauma being so prevalent these days, several questions need to be addressed in order to prevent widespread negative consequences, such as: under which circumstances are people most vulnerable for trauma and its negative consequences, what are the key factors that can buffer the impact of trauma, and how can we prevent traumatic experiences from being transmitted from one generation to the next?

This event is an initiative by the Dutch Institute for Emergent Phenomena (DIEP) with the support of NWA Route 2. Science & Cocktails Amsterdam is presented in cooperation with Paradiso Amsterdam.