childhood trauma Flashcards
(8 cards)
What is the clinical definition of childhood trauma?
The experience of an event by a child that is emotionally painful or distressful, resulting in lasting mental and physical effects
List and explain the various forms of childhood trauma.
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Witnessing domestic violence
Serious accidents
Natural disasters
Loss of loved ones
War
How does trauma affect specific brain regions?
Impacts three key areas:
Amygdala - Controls fear responses
Hippocampus - Affects memory formation/regulation
Prefrontal cortex - Influences executive function and decision-making
What are the key differences between normal and traumatic memories?
Normal memories:
Coherent and complete
Deliberately recalled
Time/place feels like ‘there & then’
Emotions fade
Linked to other memories
Generally welcomed
Traumatic memories:
Fragmented and jumbled
Intrusive
Feels like ‘here and now’
Original distress remains intense
Isolated from other memories
Typically avoided
How does trauma affect a child’s core beliefs about: self, world, others
Self:
“I’m no good”
“I deserve bad things”
“I’m unlovable”
World:
“You never know what’s going to happen”
“Everywhere is dangerous”
“Nothing makes sense”
Others:
“Others cannot be trusted”
“Others will hurt me”
“People I love don’t stay”
How does trauma affect attachment development?
Can disrupt formation of secure attachment, leading to:
Trust issues
Intimacy problems
Difficulties with emotional regulation
What are the key considerations with multiple traumatic events?
an lead to multiple traumatic memories
Most intrusive/distressing memory may change over time
Memories may become conflated
Can affect criminal prosecution cases
What evidence exists for trauma treatment effectiveness?
Treatment can be effective even when:
Events are multiple and interpersonal
Reactions are complex
Situation isn’t fully stable
Child is in care
Therapy is provided by ordinary clinicians
Long-term (5-year) follow-up is conducted
