Understanding Traumatic Stress in Children

The unexpected loss of a loved one, a car accident, or exposure to a violent experience is familiar to many. Everyone reacts to such events, but the responses vary widely, ranging from numbness and withdrawal, to crying, nervousness, and agitation. Because traumatic events are prevalent, cause profo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNational Center on Family Homelessness
Main Authors Bassuk, Ellen L, Konnath, Kristina, Volk, Katherine T
Format Report
LanguageEnglish
Published National Center on Family Homelessness 01.02.2006
Subjects
Accidents
Attachment Behavior
Caregivers
Child Abuse
Child Development
Child Health
Coping
Developmental Stages
Grief
Guides
Homeless People
Human Body
Natural Disasters
Psychological Patterns
Stress Management
Terrorism
Violence
Well Being
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Summary:The unexpected loss of a loved one, a car accident, or exposure to a violent experience is familiar to many. Everyone reacts to such events, but the responses vary widely, ranging from numbness and withdrawal, to crying, nervousness, and agitation. Because traumatic events are prevalent, cause profound suffering, and may lead to life altering responses, it is imperative that caregivers have the knowledge and understanding to respond skillfully and compassionately to children who have been exposed to traumatic stress. The National Center on Family Homelessness has compiled this booklet as a resource for caregivers working with children who have experienced traumatic stress. The booklet opens by defining trauma, then looks more closely at acute traumatic stress and complex trauma. For each aspect of trauma, the authors describe the most common developmental effects on children and ways for caregivers to respond to help children heal. To support caregivers, the authors highlight the importance of self-care and provide a list of resources. (Contains 4 online resources.)