Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Perks of Being a Wallflower
, 2
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been identified as a core manifestation of childhood sex-
ual abuse trauma. This essay applies the four behavioural symptoms from the DSM-5 diagnostic
criteria that accompany post-traumatic stress disorder to the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Namely, intrusive memories, avoidance symptoms, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and
marked alterations in arousal and reactivity will be discussed using examples from the novel. Fur-
thermore, this essay will touch upon the group identification theory in relation to the narrator of the
story, Charlie, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder following sexual abuse by a family
member. By taking a practical approach this essay aids in understanding the severity of post-trau-
matic stress disorder and how it affects the surrounding people.
, 2
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been identified as a core manifestation of childhood sex-
ual abuse trauma. This essay applies the four behavioural symptoms from the DSM-5 diagnostic
criteria that accompany post-traumatic stress disorder to the novel The Perks of Being a Wallflower.
Namely, intrusive memories, avoidance symptoms, negative alterations in cognition and mood, and
marked alterations in arousal and reactivity will be discussed using examples from the novel. Fur-
thermore, this essay will touch upon the group identification theory in relation to the narrator of the
story, Charlie, who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder following sexual abuse by a family
member. By taking a practical approach this essay aids in understanding the severity of post-trau-
matic stress disorder and how it affects the surrounding people.
