What term describes the loss of personal identity and dignity through trauma?

The term that best describes the loss of personal identity and dignity through trauma is dehumanization. Dehumanization refers to the process by which individuals or groups are seen as less than human, often leading to treatment that undermines their dignity and sense of self. This can occur in various contexts, such as instances of extreme trauma, abuse, or systemic oppression, where the affected individuals feel stripped of their humanity, identity, and worth.

Dehumanization can greatly impact a person's mental health and well-being, leading to feelings of worthlessness, isolation, and despair. It emphasizes how trauma can affect not only physical safety but also the fundamental aspects of one's identity. Understanding dehumanization is crucial in peer support work, as it allows peer specialists to recognize the profound effects of trauma and to support those who have experienced such loss in reclaiming their identity and dignity.

In contrast to the other terms, emotional abuse pertains to patterns of behavior that manipulate, belittle, or undermine an individual's emotional health, which can contribute to dehumanization but does not encompass the broader experience of identity loss through trauma. Neglect refers to the failure to meet basic needs, which can impact identity but is not synonymous with the concept of dehumanization. Mental health recovery is