Childhood Trauma Essay

Trauma refers to any disturbing event that overwhelms an individual's ability to cope with it. Childhood trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on an individual. Trauma can come in many forms, such as physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or experiencing a traumatic event (Dube et al., 2001). Unfortunately, childhood trauma is not uncommon, and many individuals have experienced it in their lives. The effects of childhood trauma can manifest in a myriad of ways, including but not limited to, mental health issues, behavioural problems, and difficulties with interpersonal relationships.

The social and emotional functioning of children who experience childhood trauma is often disrupted. One of the most common effects of childhood trauma is the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Felitti et al., 1998; Bremner et al., 2003;2010). PTSD is a condition that can occur after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or domestic violence, in childhood. Symptoms of PTSD can include intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and intense feelings of fear and anxiety. Even those who do not

Another common effect of childhood trauma is personality disorders. Studies have shown a correlation between childhood trauma and disorders such as borderline personality disorder (BPD), (Morin,2022), which is characterised by instability in relationships, self-image, and emotions. Individuals who experienced childhood trauma are more likely to struggle with identity formation, often resulting in difficulties in self-regulation and impulse control. One of the most damaging effects of childhood trauma is the way it can shape a person's sense of