The Developmental Impact of Trauma

What is a trauma? A trauma can be a multitude of life experiences, but it is best defined as a situation that is personally threatening when someone is confronted by it and the person does not have adequate coping resources. Non human traumas include events such as natural disasters and accidents. Human traumas include events such as abuse, war, rape, assault, sexual abuse and neglect (including physical, social and emotional neglect).

Given the extent of violence and other events in our culture, it is increasingly possible that a child will experience some type of traumatic event during childhood. The quality of relationships a child has before and after experiencing the trauma impacts his or her ability to cope. Parents help guide the child in dealing with life’s stressors. Secure attachments are the primary defense against childhood-trauma-induced psychopathology as well as helping with long-term recovery. Even prenatal exposure to trauma is a concern. Studies have demonstrated that fetuses exposed to trauma during the second trimester showed significantly higher rates of depression in adolescence.

Research into the neurobiology of early life stress and trauma shows us the effects of abuse on the brain and the body. There are four primary ways that trauma impacts children including: 1) relational difficulties, 2) developing maladaptive coping strategies, 3) developing psychological disorders, and 4) negatively impacting brain development. In addition, too much stimulation related to abuse, trauma, and neglect may overwhelm the child’s developing nervous system.

Survivors of trauma are aware of intense longings for connection. They long for close relationships, but are terrified by them at the same time. This may make relationships very confusing. Traumas that lead to long-lasting relational difficulties are more likely to happen when the violence or trauma is committed in the context of a human relationship; and even more likely if at the hands of a parent, sibling, or close relative. Maladaptive coping strategies include substance abuse, eating disorders, and/or self mutilation which may further isolate the individual. Psychological disorders that may occur include major depression, adult substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Regarding brain development, chronic stress and trauma cause very specific biological changes in brain and body development and functioning. Children with a history of substantial abuse or neglect have a reduced size of their corpus collosum which causes a decrease in communication between the two halves of the cerebral cortex. This may result in the alteration and disintegration of memory functions.

Even if we could eliminate violence and oppression, trauma and stress would still exist in the form of accidents, natural disasters, death, and loss. Parents should be aware of the wide reaching impact of trauma on children’s’ relationships, bodies, and brains. If your child is struggling to deal with the effects of a traumatic event, it is recommended that you seek professional help such as scheduling an appointment with a play therapist. Play therapy may be beneficial for survivors of trauma because the therapist creates a safe environment for the child to bring hidden emotions to the surface where he or she can cope with them in a healthy manner.

For more tips on coping with childhood trauma, please visit:

http://www.ehow.com/how_5018055_cope-childhood-trauma-adult.html