Which emotion is among the four major emotions that can present in trauma survivors along with anger, guilt, and fear?

• A. Joy
• B. Depression
• C. Shame
• D. Happiness

Answer: (B)

Trauma can trigger a range of intense emotional responses, and among the commonly observed ones are anger, guilt, fear, and a persistent mood disturbance. Depression fits here because it involves ongoing sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, low energy, and changes in sleep or appetite that often arise after traumatic experiences. This mood state can stem from disrupted safety, shifted beliefs about the world, and the toll of intrusive memories, signaling the need for support and potential mental health care. Positive emotions like joy or happiness aren’t typically listed as major trauma responses in this framework, and while shame can occur, the set described in trauma-focused discussions includes depression as the mood-related counterpart to anger, guilt, and fear.