Amarika's Trauma Case Study

After being exposed to her mother’s shooting, Amarika experienced many life changes, secondary adversities, and reminders of the trauma that she experienced. Amarika faced many risk factors in association with the aftermath of the traumatic event. She also experienced many protective factors that helped her slowly return to a regulated state. In discussing the facts of the case and their relation to the risk factors and protective factors, the parallels to the secondary adversities, changes in family life, and reminders of the trauma will become more evident. The focus of this paper is the core concept that traumatic events may cause changes in one’s family life, reminders the traumatic experience, and other adversities in relation to the trauma. Amarika, an 18-month-old girl, was with her mother in the park when a stray bullet from gang violence hit Makisha, Her mother. This initial event caused many changes in Amarika’s life. Makisha had complications from surgery and had to stay in the hospital for an extended period of time. When Makisha was to return home, the family also faced the distress of her rehabilitation. Amarika and Makisha also lived with Amarika’s grandmother, Mrs. Lawrence, and Amarika’s aunt.

When Amarika’s mother returned, she experienced the return of her protective figure. The symptom she started to experience after the dramatic event became better with the return of her mother. Makisha’s return also benefited Amarika’s social environment. As Makisha recovered, the family continued to cope with the stressful events. As the families coping improved, the household went from a distressed environment to a stable environment, much to the benefit of Amarika. Makisha continued to visit parks with Amarika, but made a point to visit new parks as to avoid traumatic reminders. Having these protective factors gives Amarika a better chance at improving from the traumatic