interpersonal trauma interpersonal trauma interpersonal trauma is psychological trauma as a result of interactions between people. it can result in post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd). chronic, sustained interpersonal trauma can result in complex post-traumatic stress disorder, which has both symptoms of ptsd and also problems in developmental areas such as emotional self-regulation and interpersonal functioning. more than half of the incidents causing interpersonal trauma happen to children and teenagers. common categories child abuse child neglect child sexual abuse intimate partner violence infidelity, leading to post infidelity stress disorder sexual assault community violence (witnessing or being victimized by intentional violence outside the home) physical assault human trafficking historical trauma combat-related trauma