The Impact of Trauma on Children

Socio-behavioral Learning Concern: The socio-behavioral learning concern I have chosen is the impact of trauma on children.

What Does the Evidence Tell?

To explore this concern, I utilized the following resources:

Book: Gabor Maté’s The Myth of Normal
Video: The Invisible Effect of Childhood Trauma
Research Paper: "Caste and Class in Higher Education Enrolments: Challenges in Conceptualising Social Inequality" by Professor Amman Madan Link
Research Paper: "Childhood Trauma in Indian Context" by Ishangi Mishra Link
Book Chapter: “Trauma and Children” from Traumatic Stress in South Africa by Debra Kaminer and Gillian Eagle, published by Wits University Press Link

Main Concepts to Interpret the Evidence:

Many psychologists, including Gabor Maté, emphasize the importance of a nurturing childhood, highlighting how experiences during these formative years have long-lasting effects. Traumatic events such as separation from parents, exposure to violence, or witnessing domestic conflict can profoundly impact a child, potentially leading to trauma. This trauma may stem from various sources, including war, crime, accidents, or physical assault by a known individual.

Children living in regions like Africa or certain parts of India often face discrimination and violence based on race, caste, gender, socio-economic status, or historical circumstances. For instance, in India, children may experience physical or mental abuse due to their caste or class, with "class" referring to the economic conditions of the family.

Gabor Maté suggests that when a child’s physical and emotional needs—such as love, comfort, and the freedom to express emotions—are unmet, it can cause harm, which he views as a form of trauma. Though the impact of such trauma may surface later in life, children often develop survival mechanisms in response to these experiences.

The Impact of Trauma:

Trauma can have both short-term and long-term effects. Beyond symptoms like depression, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, and anger issues, children who experience trauma are also less likely to complete higher education. In India, for example, research by Amman Madan has shown a significant increase in dropout rates, with trauma often linked to caste and class disparities. Trauma can also lead to conditions such as Acute Stress Disorder (ASD) or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Psychiatrist Lenore Terr classifies trauma effects into two categories: Type I and Type II disorders. Type I disorders result from a single traumatic event, such as a dog bite, while Type II disorders arise from prolonged trauma, like ongoing sexual abuse. In cases of Type II trauma, children may detach from reality, numb themselves to pain, or lose the ability to distinguish between positive and negative experiences, potentially leading to personality disorders in adulthood. In contrast, Type I trauma typically results in coping mechanisms that allow children to continue with their lives, though symptoms like repetitive memories, trauma-specific fears, and altered attitudes may persist.

Debra Kaminer and Gillian Eagle discuss developmental differences in trauma responses, noting that children from infancy to adolescence respond differently to trauma. For example, an infant might stop eating or sleeping if traumatized by inappropriate touch, while a child aged 3-6 might become clingy and indulge in fantasy to escape reality. Middle school children, who can better comprehend and share their experiences, may become distracted and self-conscious. Adolescents, on the other hand, may withdraw or act out aggressively, sometimes turning to substance abuse. During this stage, intervention by a trusted adult is crucial, as teenagers are less likely to seek help on their own.

Way Forward:

Addressing childhood trauma requires the involvement of parents, teachers, schools, and the community, with psychotherapy being a primary method of treatment. Therapy for parents is also vital, helping them understand their own feelings and the needs of the child. For younger children, play therapy has proven highly effective, while group therapy, involving activities like dance or drama, can be beneficial for children who have experienced similar traumatic events. Public discussions on trauma can also help break down barriers and raise awareness on a larger scale.