Traumatized Children in the Family

 Traumatized Children in the Family

Pr. Lupakisyo M .Mwakasweswe

 BATH. PGDE. MSC Psychology

 Introduction

 According to Andrews (2010), when a child experiences a traumatic upbringing where they are deprived of predictability, trust, nurturing, love and hope, childhood becomes toxic, unpredictable and abusive. Their world may be witness to violence, crime, drugs and a parental style that is full of ridicule, fear and insults. Following a trauma experience, an individual may begin to perceive the world as an unsafe place, living in a state of constant arousal. This can result in changes in the brain, which are triggered by stress functions and may alter the way we view others and ourselves. As our perceptions shape our behaviors, if the world or those around us are perceived as unsafe, this may result in an increase in anxiety or aggression, altering or impairing contact with others (Steele & Raider, 2009). According to Perry (2001), the most significant relationship in a child’s life is the attachment to their primary caregiver, acting as an emotional template for future relationships. When it is conflict-ridden, with rejection typically at the core, the outcome may lead to fragile foundations for future relationships. Mate (2008), suggests that individuals with addictions are constantly seeking something outside of themselves to alleviate their insatiable need for relief and need for relief and fulfillment. It is as a result of this longing and emptiness that individuals pursue substances or other self-harming or self-soothing behaviors, with the hope that it will provide some relief. Andrews (2010), further supports this notion in stating that children who have been neglected early in life will experience future life from the understanding of the need to fight for survival at every level, physically, emotionally, spiritually and psychologically. It is out of this fight for survival the litany of behaviors begins, behaviors that will temporarily give relief from fear and the pain that they suffer.

 Reference 

 Andrews, E. (2010). Being trauma informed [power point slides]. St. Catharine, Ontario, Canada.

 Mate, G. (2008). In the realm of the hungry ghost: Close encounters with addiction. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Random House.

 Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2008). The boy who was raised as a dog: and other stories from a child psychiatrist’s notebook. New York, NY:

 Basic Books. Schore, A. N., (2001). Effects of a secure attachment relationship on right brain development, affect regulation, and infant mental health. Infant Mental Health Journal, Volume22 (1- 2), 7-66. S& Raider,