“Big T” versus “Little T” Trauma

Trauma is often categorized into "Big T" and "Little t" types to distinguish the severity and nature of distressing events. "Big T" trauma refers to significant incidents that pose an immediate threat to one's life or physical safety, such as natural disasters, serious accidents, or violent assaults. These events can lead to profound psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In contrast, "Little t" trauma encompasses events that, while not life-threatening, cause emotional distress and disrupt an individual's sense of well-being. Examples include interpersonal conflicts, infidelity, divorce, relocation, legal troubles, or financial difficulties. Although these experiences may not result in PTSD, they can still significantly impact mental health, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem.

Here's a comparison chart summarizing the differences: