Overview
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network outlines various types of trauma that children and adolescents may experience, emphasizing the broad scope of events that can be traumatic and their potential long-term effects.
Definitions and General Concepts
- Trauma occurs when a child feels intensely threatened by an event they experience or witness.
- Children and adolescents can be exposed to a wide range of traumatic events.
Major Types of Child Trauma
- Bullying: Intentional actions inflicting social, emotional, physical, or psychological harm on someone perceived as less powerful.
- Community Violence: Exposure to intentional interpersonal violence in public areas by individuals not closely related to the victim.
- Complex Trauma: Multiple, often invasive and interpersonal traumatic events leading to wide-ranging, long-term effects.
- Disasters: Includes natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.) and extreme weather events.
- Early Childhood Trauma: Traumatic experiences occurring in children aged 0–6.
- Intimate Partner Violence: Harm or threats of harm directed at a partner or spouse, witnessed or experienced by children.
- Medical Trauma: Psychological and physiological responses to single or multiple medical events in children and families.
- Physical Abuse: Acts by caregivers resulting in physical injury to a child or adolescent.
- Race-Based Trauma: Trauma related to experiences of racial discrimination or violence.
- Refugee Trauma: Trauma from war or persecution affecting children's mental and physical health.
- Sexual Abuse: Use of a child for sexual stimulation by an adult or another child.
- Sex Trafficking: Exchange of anything valuable for a sex act with someone under 18.
- Terrorism and Violence: Impact of mass violence or acts of terrorism on children and families.
- Traumatic Grief: Ongoing difficulties following a death, impeding daily life and positive remembrance.
Additional Resources
- Each trauma type is accompanied by specific effects, interventions, and resources for further education and support.
- The NCTSN provides specialized resources and training for caregivers, professionals, and communities dealing with child trauma.