An Analysis of Pathomechanisms in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) through the Enhanced Ten-Step Model of Judgemental Philosophy: Focusing on Resonance Disruption, Procedural Fixation, and the Role of Modulatory Systems

Abstract

This paper presents a novel theoretical framework for understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by integrating its core psychopathologies with the "Enhanced Ten-Step Model of Judgemental Philosophy". We posit that the fragmented traumatic memories, persistent re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal characteristic of PTSD can be comprehensively analyzed as dysfunctions within the sequential processing pathway and the parallel/modulatory systems of this model. Specifically, we propose that PTSD involves a critical disruption in Implicit Resonance (Step 2), Explicit Resonance (Step 5), and Memory Consolidation (Step 7), leading to a failure of traumatic experiences to be adaptively integrated. Furthermore, the over-reliance on a "Reptilian Procedural Memory Loop" observed in PTSD is conceptualized as a maladaptive dominance of the Unconscious Memory Consolidation module and automated Behavioral Execution (Step 8), driven by dysregulations in the Affective Processing, Value Assessment & Motivation System, and Prediction & Prediction Error modules. This paper re-examines hypotheses from a prior empirical study on PTSD, focusing on the interaction between a procedural memory loop and an "Implicit Memory Consolidation" loop, through the lens of the Enhanced Ten-Step Model. We explore how interventions like EMDR and REM sleep enhancement might facilitate recovery by restoring healthy Resonance and modulating these interacting systems. This integrated approach aims to reframe PTSD not merely as a memory or fear disorder, but as a profound disruption in the individual's capacity for meaning-making and adaptive judgment, highlighting the clinical utility and explanatory power of the Enhanced Ten-Step Model of Judgemental Philosophy.

Author's Profile

Jinho Kim
Seoul National University

Analytics

Added to PP
2025-05-06

Downloads
34 (#107,684)

6 months
34 (#105,345)

Historical graph of downloads since first upload
This graph includes both downloads from PhilArchive and clicks on external links on PhilPapers.
How can I increase my downloads?