Effects Of Emotional Trauma On Child Development

The relationships and experiences that a child has early in life can be a strong indicator on their view of the world; whether it is safe or not. When a child experiences emotional trauma, and doesn’t have their needs met or given reassurance, it triggers a toxic stress reaction throughout the body.

‘During traumatic experiences, a child’s brain is in heightened state of stress and fear-related hormones are activated. Although, stress is a normal part of life, when a child is exposed to chronic trauma, like abuse or neglect, the child’s brain remains in this heightened pattern. Remaining in this heightened state can change the emotional, behavioral and cognitive functioning of the child in order to maintain and promote survival.’ (Early Childhood Mental Health, n.d.).

Children effected by trauma have an inaccurate view of their world and feel unsafe within it and in situations that would otherwise be considered harmless. Children may blame themselves or their parents for not preventing a frightening event or for not being able to change its outcome. These misconceptions of reality compound the negative impact of traumatic effects on children's development. (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, n.d.).

Children who respond to emotional trauma in this way have a harder time managing their emotions which in turn wreaks havoc on their cognitive development and ability to have healthy relationships with their peers and adults. Children who have experienced complex trauma often have difficulty identifying, expressing, and managing emotions, and may have limited language for feeling states. They often internalize and/or externalize stress reactions and as a result may experience significant depression, anxiety, or anger. (NCTSN,