Children and Trauma

As defined by the American Psychological Association (APA, 2008), a significant number of children in the United States report experiencing traumas during their childhood. Experiencing a traumatic event does not include just a direct experience of trauma, but also witnessing trauma, and learning about something that happened to a close friend or a family member.

What defines a traumatic event?

A traumatic event is an event that threatens injury, death, or the physical integrity of self or others. It also causes horror, terror, or helplessness at the time it occurs.

Traumatic events include sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, bullying, community, and school violence, motor vehicle accidents, acts of terrorism, war experiences, natural and human-made disasters, medical trauma, suicides, death and other traumatic losses (APA, 2008).

According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN, 2010) when young children experience or witness a traumatic event, sometimes adults say:

“They are too young to understand, so it’s probably better if we don’t talk about it.”

However, young children are affected by traumatic events, even though they may not understand what happened.

Trauma reactions may vary from each child according to its age. Many of the reactions displayed by children who have been exposed to traumatic events include:

• the development of new fears associated with the traumatic event

• separation anxiety

• sleep disturbance and nightmares

• sadness, anger, and irritability

• loss of interest in normal activities

• reduced appetite and low weight

• a decline in schoolwork and reduced concentration (difficulties in focusing and learning in school)

• somatic complaints (stomachaches and headaches)

How parents/caregivers can help?

Research demonstrates that an essential protective factor for children is the reliable presence of a caring, positive, and protective parent/caregiver. Parents/caregivers can be a consistent resource for their children; reassuring and encouraging them to talk about the traumatic experience (NCTSN, 2010).