Understanding Child Trauma Development

Understanding Child Abuse and Neglect
Tenth Edition
Chapter 3
Trauma and the Developing
Child
PowerPoint Lecture
Slides prepared by
Piljoo Kang, Ph.D.
Toccoa Falls College
Copyright © 2021, 2014, 2010 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Learning Objectives (1 of 2)
After studying this chapter, you should be able to
3.1 define trauma and explain how trauma impacts the
developing brain.
3.2 describe the types and degrees of trauma.
3.3 explain the influences on early brain development
and attachment and how trauma can have an impact.

Learning Objectives (2 of 2)
3.4 describe the tasks learned in the various developmental
stages from birth through adolescence and how trauma
might impede development.
3.5 define resiliency and discuss why some children might
be more resilient than others.

Understanding Trauma
• Trauma: an emotional wound resulting from a
distressing event(s) that is overwhelming to the
personality.
• Degrees & Types of Trauma:
– Acute
– Chronic
– Complex
– Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Trauma’s Impact on Brain
• Early traumatic experiences can hardwire the brain in
dysfunctional ways,
• which can lead to lasting effects on their later lives.
– A persistent fear response
– Hyperarousal
– Diminished executive function
– Delayed milestones
– Weakened response to positive feedback
– Difficulty with complicated social interactions

Attachment
• Attachment: the bond that an infant develops with his/her
caretaker, which shapes his/her future connections with
others throughout life.
– An infant learns a sense of safety and security from
the well attuned caretaker.
– A child’s view of the world begins from this early
relationship.
– Without initial attachment within the family, forming
healthy relationships become difficult.
• Insecure attachment is prevalent in maltreating families

Parenting Patterns in Maltreating
Families
• Conflicting parent-child relationship:
– unstable and immature parent(s)
– impaired bonding, emotional deprivation, and
“parentification” of children
• Parental frustration over unmet expectations:
– Parents’ extremely high expectations, which stem
from unresolved personal issues
– may use extreme punishment

Development Through the Stages:
Pregnancy and Birth
• Factors that influence the potential bonding experience
– Parents’ motivation for conception
– Relationship between mother and father
– Expectations
– Ability to realign perceptions and realistic needs
• Must recognize health needs of pregnancy

Impact of Maltreatment: Birth to 1 Year
• Impaired Attachment (Bonding):
– Nonorganic failure to thrive syndrome
▪ Ex) malnourishment, high-pitched cry
– Fail to develop separation/stranger anxiety
– May form indiscriminate attachments
• Lack of trust in caregivers and the world
• Lack of emotional and social responsiveness
• May lead to delayed language and social skills

Impact of Maltreatment: 1 to 4 Years
• Little interest in toys and exploring the world
• Frozen (or passive) watchfulness:
– immobilized while watching others
– scans environment for safety
• Delays in motor, social, and language skills
• Difficulty in developing autonomy
• May pick up inappropriate concepts of sexuality

• Delays in Learning; difficulties in
– structured learning in classroom
– relating to peers: isolation and alienation
– internalizing standards/rules
• Lacking a sense of predictability
• Internalizes sense of failure
• Child develops hypervigilance as a survival tool

• Child becomes “parentified”: assumes role of caring for
him/herself, younger siblings, & parents.
• Behavior problems at school:
– School’s response impacts the child’s sense of his/her
own behaviors
▪ Ex) suspension/expulsion may be taken as another
form of rejection
• Child’s sexual development:
– may trigger unresolved issues for parents
– increasing child’s vulnerability to sexual abuse

Impact of Maltreatment: Adolescence
• Abuse & lack of parental support may lead to
– Early onset of puberty
– Distorted Body Image
▪ Eating disorders
▪ Self abusing behavior: cutting, substance abuse,
suicide attempts
• Extreme difficulty in their search for identity
– Insecurity
– Low self-esteem
– Often gives up the pursuit

Developing Resilience
• Resilience: the ability to adapt effectively in the face of
threats to development
• Factors contributing to resiliency:
– temperament and personality
– close relationship with a nurturing adult
– extra-familial social supports
– affirming cultural identification
– development of talents/interests

The Adaptable Brain and Maltreatment
• Neuroplasticity: the ability of the neuronal circuits to make
adaptive changes in both structure and function.
• The brain has the capability to adjust, compensate, and
redesign itself.
• Trauma-informed approach: the goals are
– To teach children that their worlds are benevolent and
have meaning.
– To help children discover that they have worth.

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Understanding Child Trauma Development

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