A Critical Outlook on Stress and Trauma Field in the Era of COVID-19 and Beyond: The Linear and Non-Linear Effects of Cumulative Stressors and Traumas on Psychopathology: Are They Mostly Mediated by the Centrality of Events and Existential Anxieties?

Objective: The study aimed to clarify and refine the conceptual framework of cumulative stressors trauma (CST) dynamics, its relationships centrality an event identity (COE), existential annihilation anxieties (EAA), psychopathology. propose test a model in which CST affects psychopathology directly greater extent indirectly through COE four different types identity-based EAA (personal/psychic identity, collective physical status EAA). Further, replicate previous finding that non-linear CST’s effects on internalizing, externalizing, thought disorders (the three major factors) explains more variance than linear model. Method: Using path analysis, PROCESS mediation curve estimation regression, combined sample (N = 1566) from Egypt 490), Turkey 420), Kuwait 300), Syria 179), UK 177), we tested assumptions. Results: Status other related identities mediated part impact psychopathology; with “status EAA” had strongest effect size. dynamics psychopathology, disorders, health accounted for much Conclusions: Results supported proposed framework. implications these results paradigm shift understanding stress traumatization go beyond current approach sole focus single past stressor or traumatic were discussed.