Griner’s extended incarceration in Russia puts her at risk for complex post-traumatic stress disorder, two psychology experts said. While PTSD stems from a single traumatic event, complex PTSD is marked by continued coercive control.
Griner’s identity as a Black, queer woman and mistreatment she received in Russia add layers that must be addressed as she recovers from her experience, said Dass-Brailsford, whose research focuses on how people from historically oppressed groups manage stress. Needing to approach each piece of Griner’s identity individually and collectively makes psychological treatment even more complicated.
Dass-Brailsford encourages patients recovering from trauma to rediscover routines. For Griner, a return to basketball could be a positive step to restoring self-esteem and confidence, the psychologist added. Mercury forward Brianna Turner helped lead her team’s calls for Griner’s safe return and wrote on Twitter that hearing of her teammate’s release was the
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