Which of the following is an emotional symptom of trauma?

Emotional shock is recognized as an emotional symptom of trauma because it reflects the psychological state in which an individual may feel overwhelmed by the emotional consequences of a traumatic event. This state can manifest as numbness, confusion, or distress, making it difficult for the person to process the event and react normally to their environment.

Trauma can deeply affect a person's emotions and mental state, and experiencing emotional shock is a common reaction as individuals try to cope with the overwhelming feelings associated with trauma. This internal reaction can hinder their ability to express or understand their emotions adequately, thereby impacting daily functioning and emotional well-being.

While hypervigilance can also be associated with trauma, it is more of a heightened state of awareness and alertness typically related to anxiety following trauma, rather than an immediate emotional reaction like shock. Headaches and nausea, on the other hand, are more physical symptoms and do not usefully encapsulate the emotional aspect of experiencing trauma.