Trauma In Children

Trauma in children is quite prevalent especially due to the number of arenas where children can be traumatized, as mentioned above. The different situations as well as the kind of the trauma will, in many cases determine the impact the trauma causes along with the aftermath of it on the child. Common circumstances, worldwide, known to cause trauma may include:

• Natural catastrophes such as a fire, flood, earthquake

• Personal attack by someone resulting to physical or emotional harm ; bullying, kidnaping, rape

• Witness to any form of violence

• Abuse either sexual, physical, emotional or otherwise

• War in their countries

• Abandonment

• Accident

• Serious illness, surgery

According to Gerry, V. (2008), there are three major types of

“We also know that a child’s brain is in a constant state of wiring, and then in teenage years, rewiring. Brain development in children is truly an amazing process, beyond our complete understanding because of its complexity and scope. But when a growing brain is exposed to traumatic events, research informs us that children can be permanently impacted even into adult years.” (Gerry, 2008)

Given what Gerry says, what are these particular impacts of trauma experienced by children from the onset of their trauma that trail them into their

But the personality formed in the environment of coercive control is not well adapted to adult life. The survivor is left with fundamental problems in basic trust, autonomy, and initiative. She approaches the task of early adulthood, establishing independence and intimacy, burdened by major impairments in self-care, in cognition and in memory, in identity, and in the capacity to form stable relationships.

She is still a prisoner of her childhood; attempting to create a new life, she reencounters the trauma.”

(Judith L., 1992)

Trauma, like an internal injury, cannot be left unattended to lest it manifests itself in many avenues becoming worse by day. Note that the immediate effects of trauma across different developmental stage may result to the long term effects of the same if the traumatized child doesn’t deal with it or gather coping mechanisms for the said trauma(s).

Short term Effects of trauma

Young Children (18months to three years) who have experienced trauma may:

• Become inactive, quiet, and easily