The document discusses the psychological impact of trauma on families. It identifies common reactions to trauma among young children, older children, and adults which can include irritability, crying, behavioral issues, and substance abuse. The document also outlines intervention and prevention strategies such as including mental health support, developing coping skills, and conducting assessments. The overall purpose is to examine the effects of traumatic events on human growth and development within family units.

1. Lifespan Development- EDUC 600
November 1, 2014
Pamela Noble, MBA
The Psychological Impact of Trauma on the Family Unit

2. Purpose
• Identify the effects of crises, disasters, and other trauma
causing events that can effect human growth and
development.
• Identify common reactions to trauma as it pertains to the
family as a unit.
• Identify key prevention and intervention strategies during
and after a traumatic event.

3. Rare Effects of Trauma
They Are:
● Maturity growth
● Interrupted adolescent development (medical issues)
● Repeated exposure to the same trauma (e.g. parental neglect)
● Poor communication skills due to isolation

4. *
Common Reactions to Trauma
Young Children
● Irritability
● Crying
● Low appetite
● Regressive symptoms
● Sleep disturbances

5. *
Common Reactions to Trauma
Older Children
● Behavior problems at school
● Depression
● Somatic symptoms (e.g. headaches, stomach aches)
● Engages in high risk behaviors

6. *
• Abuse alcohol and drugs
• Feel hopeless about the future
• Exhibit psychosocial pathologies
• Demonstrate poor coping skills (e.g. parental reaction)
They May Include:
Common Reactions to Trauma-Adulthood

7. *
They May Include:
● Include “wrap around” services (e.g. mental health providers, school
personnel)
● Develop active coping skills (e.g. modeling self care)
● Create a support system that includes other family members
● Conduct assessment activities (e.g. PTSD)
● Coordinate and maintain a prevention model
Intervention and Prevention Strategies

8. Conclusion
A traumatic event is defined as an experience that causes physical,
emotional psychological distress or harm. It is an event that is per-
ceived and experience as a threat to one’s safety or to the stability
of one’s world. God said “when the righteous cry for help, the Lord
hears and delivers them out of their troubles. The Lord is near to
the brokenhearted and saves the crushed into spirit. Many are the
afflictions of the righteous, but the lord delivers him out of all of
them. He keeps all his bones; not one of them is broken.” Psalms 34:17-20

9. Reference:
www.nim.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001924.htm