Toward a field of traumatic stress

Abstract The cumulative effect of scholarly and professional activities associated with the concept of traumatic stress suggests, it is noted here, that a new field of study is emerging. The paper first defines traumatic stress and a field of study. It is noted here that eight factors are necessary to qualify as a field of study. The factors noted include: a history, professional organizations, publications, theory, measurement, research methodology, intervention technology, and actions affecting policy and the judicial system. These factors are considered separately. The final section discusses the “new frontiers” of this emerging field. A three‐dimensional model is presented that depicts the finite number of directions for building a scientific literature in traumatic stress studies. The paper concludes with an invitation to readers to add to this literature by contribution to the Journal of Traumatic Stress.