Psychological Effects of Torture

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The Psychological Effects of Torture Zach Stultz Dominion High School Abstract: Torture is often used to acquire information through means of mental and or physical suffering. While people most often associate torture with bodily harm, more often than not it is the mental trauma that causes the most pain for torture survivors. In this essay the specific psychological effects associated with all forms of torture will be identified and explained. After the effects are established the article will describe a possible way to apply the information. Background Although there is a lot known about the history and methods of torture, there has been little research done on its physical and psychological effects. However thanks to the recent advancements made in the fields of social and clinical science, scientist now have an opportunity to further advance studies on the long term effects of torture (Stuart W. Turner, Caroline Grost-Unsworth, 1995). Initial research into the psychological effects of torture began after the Second World War when the survivors of concentration camps and the holocaust were interviewed regarding their traumatic experiences. These interviews became the basis for research into the psychological effects of traumatic experiences. Since that time psychologists have continued to interview victims of torture and have used the information to evaluate the psychological impacts of torture. (Richard F. Mollica, 2008) Personal Beliefs Prior to researching the topic I never thought of torture being of any relevance in modern society. When I previously had thought about torture I always imagined medieval mechanisms of torture, making the practice seem ancient to me. It had never occurred to me how prevalent the practice still is today. Furthermore, if I was to be asked about the effects of torture, prior to researching this
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