Childhood Trauma

Reflection Paper 1

The understanding of the effects of psychological and psychiatric trauma has been traditionally developed from adult studies and later applied to children with little modification. As more studies arise on how trauma exposed children are affected developmentally, it has become clear the need to understand how the impact of the environment, exposure to adverse experiences, and negative events early in life affect the outcomes of a healthy adult life.

The study of human development and developmental psychology provides the tools necessary to understand the implications of childhood trauma in the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development, and how this exposure can accompany the child through his or her adult life.

Examples of this can be taken from how the mother takes care of her pregnancy. If the mother eats healthy, the embryo is affected positively, however if the mother drinks alcohol excessively or smokes during her pregnancy, chances are her baby will be born with disabilities that can range from physical, to affecting future cognitive abilities.

The environment and stress the mother is exposed to can also affect the embryo. Evidence of the impact of the environment and fetal development can be found in studies by Brand and Lieberman. Through the analysis of cortisol samples in mothers who were exposed to 9-11, Brand (2006) found that mothers at risk for PTSD may have infants who are more easily distressed. Furthermore, Lieberman, (2011) later found that the maternal narrative of a traumatic event in the mother’s life can trigger child

One was the death of my father and the inevitable acquisition of an alcoholic step-father. The second one was being diagnosed with a terminal illness at the age of 16. Both traumatic events in my life were introduced throughout adolescence and they impacted some the decisions I made throughout my adult life, including the significant decision to go to back school and focus on child behavior. I began this journey when I enlisted in the college of Education, but was redirected by fate here. The positive interactions I had with my family and others were the key elements in the positive outcomes I have had in life. Inevitably, there was a negative phase that I was only able to overcome with the help of physicians, counselors, and the relationships I had formed with my loved ones. This journey has been one of acceptance, self-evaluation, and growth. It would have not been possible without