The Role Of Emotional Regulation In Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Conflict Survivors

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) remains a prevalent psychological concern among survivors of armed conflict and terrorism in Pakistan, particularly in regions affected by ongoing militancy and displacement. Emotional regulation—the ability to monitor, evaluate, and modify emotional responses—has emerged as a crucial predictor of PTSD symptom severity. This scholarly review explores the bidirectional relationship between emotional dysregulation and PTSD in conflict survivors using data from 25 empirical studies conducted across conflict-prone areas such as Swat, Waziristan, and Balochistan. The findings indicate that maladaptive regulation strategies such as emotional suppression and rumination significantly correlate with heightened PTSD symptoms, while adaptive strategies like cognitive reappraisal buffer against psychological distress. The review highlights the urgent need for trauma-informed interventions in post-conflict rehabilitation and psychosocial programs across Pakistan.