9/11: psychology of mass trauma

The 9/11 attacks generate the largest wave of mass trauma and PTSD research. Bonanno demonstrates that resilience is the most common response to trauma.

Social crises — pandemics, recessions, terrorist attacks — test the psychological resources of individuals and communities. Crisis psychology research has shown that resilience is the most common response, but vulnerable populations — people with trauma histories, low income, or social isolation — are at significantly higher risk of developing persistent disorders.

The first decade of the 21st century was a period of rapid advances in neuroscience, genetics, and behavioral economics. Functional neuroimaging allowed us to see the brain in action, while complete genomes opened the era of genetic research in psychology.

Significance: This milestone significantly contributed to the development of psychology as a science and profession, influencing research, clinical practice, or public policy.