What psychological condition involves avoidance of stimuli associated with traumatic events?

The condition that involves avoidance of stimuli associated with traumatic events is known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can develop after an individual has experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, such as combat, natural disasters, or personal assault. One of the hallmark symptoms of PTSD is the persistent avoidance of reminders of the trauma. This can include avoidance of thoughts, feelings, conversations, activities, places, or people that trigger memories of the traumatic experience. Individuals may go to great lengths to avoid anything that might remind them of the event, causing significant distress and impairment in their daily functioning.

In contrast, other conditions listed have distinct characteristics. Generalized anxiety disorder primarily involves excessive worry about various issues without a specific traumatic trigger. Mood disorders focus on disruptions in mood, such as depression or mania, rather than trauma-related avoidance. Obsessive-compulsive disorder centers on unwanted intrusive thoughts and compulsions that individuals feel compelled to perform, not necessarily related to avoidance of trauma. Therefore, the unique symptom of avoidance related to trauma is what classifies PTSD as the correct answer to the question.