Cyberbullying and PTSD: Evaluating DSM-V Diagnostic Criteria and Psychological Impact

Question 1 (95 Marks)

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), one of the required criteria for the diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is criterion A as outlined below:

Criterion A: Exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence in one or more of the following ways:

1. Directly experiencing the traumatic event(s).
2. Witnessing, in person, the event(s) as it occurred to others.
3. Learning that the traumatic event(s) occurred to a close family member or close friend. In cases of actual or threatened death of family member or friend, the event(s) must have been violent or accidental.
4. Experiencing repeated or extreme exposure to aversive details of the traumatic event(s) (e.g., first responders collecting human remains; police officers repeatedly exposed to details of child abuse).

Note: Criterion A4 does not apply to exposure through electronic media,
television, movies, or pictures, unless this exposure is work related.

Based on the DSM-V’s full diagnostic criteria for PTSD, evaluate the relationship between cyberbullying and PTSD.

As part of your evaluation, here are some points you may consider (list not exhaustive):

• Assess whether cyberbullying may be considered a traumatic event
• Illustrate the impact of cyberbullying on one’s functioning
• Vulnerable groups, if any
• Factors that may increase or protect against development of PTSD
• Include empirical literature to support all points made