Long-term Effects of Trauma on Children

Long-term effects of trauma on children Trauma is a worldwide area of concern affecting many individuals. Traumatic experiences can include areas of abuse, maltreatment, neglect, or sudden stressors in an individual’s life. Unfortunately, just as the event itself can be dangerous, the effects of trauma across the lifespan can be similarly damaging. While many adults have experienced trauma in their lifetime, more than two-thirds of young children up to 16 years old have experienced a traumatic event at some point in their life (Understanding, 2015). The lasting impacts of trauma on children present significant problems in all spheres of life including physically, behaviorally, socially, biologically and psychologically. However, in some circumstances, children have incredible resiliency to cope with a traumatic situation and gain the ability to move forward. Preschool and school-aged children are at a unique time in their lives to learn and grow in many ways. Unfortunately, not all children develop in conditions that promote positive growth. In 2018, approximately one-fifth of children were victims of maltreatment in the forms of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect (Child abuse, 2020). In fact, more than 15 percent of the victims experienced at least two forms of maltreatment (Child abuse, 2020). So how can this maltreatment lead to issues further along into development of a preschool-age or school-aged child? Multiple studies have showed a deficiency in memory and verbal communication leading to lower academic performance. According to Bücker et al. (2012), an early age of onset, abuse severity and abuse frequency are all factors that can lead to difficulties post-trauma. If a child is experiencing chronic abuse from his or her parents, the effect could impact all areas of life such as biological, behavioral, psychological, social, relational, and cognitive (Milot et al, 2010). Chronic abuse, or type II trauma, can solidify biological, cognitive, and behavioral habits that can bleed into adulthood. In severe cases, this can lead to lasting high-arousal states in one’s nervous system (Lapierre, 2017). Socially, chronic trauma can lead to suppression of the desire for connection This can inevitably create issues in lower self-esteem, pathological guilt or shame, anxieties, and depression (Lapierre, 2017). While some children experience the full-on effects of trauma into adulthood, others maintain the ability to adapt and recover from their traumas successfully without lasting impacts. Resiliency is an important quality that parents, teachers, and other caregivers try to build in children as they develop to help them overcome trauma, though studies suggest it is also biological. As mentioned previously, human connection is vitally important, and therefore is a key component in developing resiliency. The “I am not alone” mindset provides support and comfort and can often be associated with post-trauma support groups. According to BrewerSmyth & Koenig (2014), support groups (specifically faith-based groups) may offer social support that helps build resilience intrinsically and extrinsically. Additionally, spiritual individuals may have a higher safeguard against neurological effects of stress through factors such as optimism, finding meaning, humor and active coping (Brewer-Smyth & Koenig, 2014). The effect of trauma in childhood is wide-ranging and difficult to adapt to, leaving a trail of developmental challenges. Although the prevalence of childhood traumatic events is significant, an abundance of studies and resources are being discovered that offer a chance for children to recover, acclimate, and flourish as they grow. Though intentional maltreatment may not fade anytime soon, children can build up resiliency with the help of those around them. Ideally, if treated correctly, a child can continue to develop typically, free of post-trauma consequences, in all areas of life.