Effectiveness of a program based on psychological grounding techniques in reducing emotional blunting in young people with post-traumatic stress disorder

Abstract

This study aimed to reveal the effectiveness of a counseling program based on psychological grounding techniques in reducing levels of emotional blunting in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. The program's application sample consisted of (40) individuals from psychiatric clinics in Baghdad, aged between (18-26) years, They were selected intentionally. For the purpose of measurement, the Emotional Duplicity Scale developed by Maria Hernandez (2008) consisting of (28) items, adapted to the Arab environment by Al-Hammadi (2016), was used. It is distributed across three main axes: (weak emotional expression, inadequate emotional response, limited social interaction).

The guidance program was designed in light of the grounding theory, and included (12) sessions that extended over six weeks, which included topics such as: defining the disorder and its effects, training in relaxation and conscious breathing. The sessions included exercises focusing on the five senses, grounding strategies, cognitive restructuring, emotional regulation, social skills development, and enhancing psychological resilience, culminating in an evaluation session. These sessions employed various techniques, most notably sensory grounding, mindfulness, and role-playing.

The results, after analyzing the data using a paired-samples t-test, showed statistically significant differences favoring the group that underwent the program, indicating its effectiveness in reducing emotional desensitization. The study recommends integrating grounding techniques into therapeutic programs for trauma victims.