Final answer:
Daniel Goleman's phrase "wounds that cannot heal" implies some psychological trauma is irreversible, contrary to current research and somatic theory that suggest the human body and mind have a capacity for healing. Prolonged chronic stress, beyond the body's evolutionary adaptability, can lead to serious health issues. However, resilience and recovery are key features of human psychology, highlighting the potential for healing from emotional wounds.
Step-by-step explanation:
Daniel Goleman, in the context of psychological trauma, uses the phrase "wounds that cannot heal" to describe emotional pain and scars that persist over time, often due to traumatic experiences or chronic stress. This idea might seem to suggest that there are certain types of psychological damage that are irreversible, which contradicts current research and somatic theory. Somatic theory, as well as the work of stress researchers like Robert Sapolsky, suggest that the body and mind have an intrinsic capacity to heal from stress, even though chronic stress can lead to significant health issues like stress-related diseases if not managed properly.
For the intersection of psychology and health, it's understood that while humans have evolved to adapt to stress and can sometimes grow as a result of it, we are not designed to cope with prolonged periods of chronic stress. This prolonged activation of our physiological stress-response system can lead to illnesses such as heart disease. However, the capacity for recovery and healing is an essential aspect of human resilience, which stands in opposition to the notion that some wounds are beyond repair. In therapeutic practices that incorporate somatic perspectives, healing is often possible through various interventions and treatments.