Final answer:
The term "shell shock" was first coined during World War I to describe the psychological trauma experienced by soldiers. Shell shock resulted from the extreme exposure to the horrors of war, including constant threat of death and witnessing the death of comrades. Some people were skeptical about shell shock at first, but veterans like Royal Fusilier William Holbrook knew its devastating effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
When was "shell shock" first coined and why?
The term "shell shock" was first coined during World War I to describe the psychological trauma experienced by soldiers who had been exposed to the chaos and violence of trench warfare. It was believed that the intense bombardment of artillery shells caused a physical and psychological breakdown in soldiers, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, nightmares, and memory loss.
What are specific reasons for shell shock?
Shell shock resulted from the extreme and continuous exposure to the horrors of war, including the constant threat of death, witnessing the mutilation and death of comrades, and the sheer sensory overload of explosions and gunfire. Soldiers were subjected to long periods of intense stress and lived in constant fear for their lives, which ultimately led to psychological trauma.
Why were some people skeptical about shell shock at first?
Some people were skeptical about shell shock at first because the symptoms did not have a clear physical cause and were inconsistent with traditional notions of psychological disorders. The condition was seen as a sign of weakness or cowardice, and soldiers were often stigmatized rather than receiving the necessary support and treatment.
Why did a WWI veteran, Royal Fusilier William Holbrook, find it ridiculous that people doubted shell shock?
Royal Fusilier William Holbrook found it ridiculous that people doubted shell shock because he had personally witnessed the devastating effects of war on soldiers' mental health. He knew that the trauma was real and that it had a profound impact on those who experienced it firsthand.
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