Child Trauma Essay

When traumatic events happen to children it is important to understand that children can either be resilient or non-resilient to the event that took place. There are many different types of events that can prove traumatic for children with some of them being, abuse, divorce, family alcoholism, natural disasters, illness, death or other traumatic events. As children grow there is rapid development that is taking place mentally, socially, physically, and emotionally. Because children are going through such rapid changes it puts them in a very vulnerable place in regards to having adverse reactions to what they have experienced (DeYoung, et al., 2011). The effects of trauma manifest themselves in forms of physical, emotional, and behavioral problems. Behavioral problems come in the forms of personality regression, withdrawal, conflicts with peers, and having trouble academically when previously they had not (Wong, et al., 2015). Physical symptoms come as poor hygiene, problems with one’s weight, or causing themselves self-harm. Emotionally children cannot deal with the
range and weight of the emotions that come with trauma and most of them end up with anger and frustration (Wong, et al., 2015). Children are in a very vulnerable place developmentally which puts them at an increased risk for developing disorders that are on the DSM-IV scale. These disorders affect children physically and mentally and if not caught and addressed early have the chance of affecting them into adulthood. Some of the disorders that are affected and can be started with trauma are Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) (DeYoung, et al., 2011). There is a link between attachment and the child’s ability to cope with the trauma that has taken place. If a child has a secure attachment to their primary care giver they are more likely to be buffered from the effects of the trauma for they feel safe and secure with the protection they receive from the caregiver (Wong, et al., 2015). “Environmental factors such as quality of parent-child relationships and life stressors can greatly influence brain development” (DeYoung, et al., 2011. p.241). When a child’s brain is developing, any negative changes can also lead to derailment of major emotional milestones that normally developing children make like that of toilet training, ability to separate from caregiver, and being able to regulate their emotions (DeYoung, et al. 2011). If these developmental milestones are not met a child can carry difficulties in the areas of emotion, being able to socialize in a healthy manner, and know how to behave in an appropriate manner into their adult lives. There is also research that has found that exposure to trauma during the years of brain development can have irreversible effects for the child that is involved. There is a link between the outcome and effects of trauma and one’s view on spirituality.
Spirituality can either have a positive or a negative effect on children after they have endured trauma. Children that have a positive outlook on spirituality can look to God or another higher power for strength and comfort. The Bible states in Psalm 28:7, “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me” (NIV). Having a strong positive spirituality can help individuals seek Gods love and care, become strengthened through God, or find a stronger connection to God (Hook & Patricia, 2016). “Spirituality can both contribute to resiliency and can intensify the pain and distress” (Hook & Patricia, 2016. P. 13). Trauma can also have negative effects on spirituality as it can increase the feelings of abandonment and belief that they are under God’s judgment and
punishment. In conclusion, Trauma is something that can affect any person no matter the age. The younger a child is when a traumatic event happens the harder it is to see and catch the effects that it may have had. Trauma during key development milestones can have lasting affects well into adulthood if they are not dealt with promptly. Spirituality and attachment can either buffer children from negative effects of trauma or they can increase negative effects and feelings.

References
DeYoung, A.C., Kenardy, J.A., & Cobham, V.E. (2011). Trauma in Early Childhood: a neglected population. Clinical Child & Family Psychology Review, 14(3), 231-250.
Hook, V., & Patricia, M. (2016). Spirituality as a Potential Resource for Coping with Trauma. Social Work & Christianity, 43(1), 7-26.
Wong, D. W., Hall, K. R., Justice, C. A., & Hernandez, L. W. (2015). Counseling Individuals Through the Lifespn. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications.