What effect can trauma have on a victim's physical response in the short term?

Trauma can profoundly affect a victim's physical response in the short term, often leading to sensations of physical detachment and numbness. Following a traumatic event, individuals may experience a dissociative response, where they feel disconnected from their body or surroundings. This can manifest as a lack of physical sensation, a sense of unreality, or a feeling of observing oneself from outside the body.

Such a response serves as a protective mechanism, allowing individuals to cope with the immediate emotional and psychological distress they are experiencing. The body's fight-or-flight response kicks in during trauma, which can lead to heightened arousal or dissociation, depending on the individual and the nature of the trauma. This phenomenon can help individuals endure overwhelming situations but often results in a sense of numbness or detachment from physical sensations in the aftermath.

In contrast, the other options—such as increased energy levels, relaxation and calmness, and enhanced cognitive functioning—do not accurately reflect the typical short-term physical responses experienced after trauma. Instead, they suggest states of arousal or clarity that are generally not present during or immediately following traumatic experiences.