Definition and Physiology of Illness
Childhood trauma is an alarming issue that scientists are still exploring the effects of from a biological and social standpoint. According to the CDC, childhood trauma is defined as is “children under the age of 18 may be exposed to abuse and neglect by a parent, caregiver, or another person in a custodial role (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher). There are four common types of child abuse and neglect and these constitute as physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect” (Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention, Center for Disease Control, 2020).
Childhood trauma is difficult to pinpoint specific physiological effects due to how trauma can be subjective in severity. However, as it has been studied it has been shown some broad physiological effects in comparison to children who have not experienced trauma. A few broad physiological effects that have been correlated with childhood trauma are cerebral and cerebellar volume decreases along with the corpus callosum and increases in volume of pituitary, CRF levels, and cortisol levels. It has also been studied that cortisol can lead to a person’s immune system being suppressed as well as an increased use of gluconeogenesis. With all of that being said, childhood trauma ultimately changes a person’s DNA and this can lead to future generations being subjected to an increased risk to trauma or the effects of trauma (De Bellis, 2014) An example of this would be an increased risk of developing PTSD, cancer, depression, diabetes, and drug/alcohol dependence due to genetic dispositions (About the CDC-Kaiser ACE Study, Centers for Disease Control, 2020). There are also symptoms of childhood trauma that can stem from physiological problems such as chronic stomach/headaches, body dysregulations, difficulty problem solving, and hypervigilance (Peterson, 2018).
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/about.html
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childabuseandneglect/index.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3968319/
https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types/complex–trauma/effects
Interventions and Patient/Family Teaching
While Childhood Trauma has been prevalent for many years, recognition has grown much more recently. Traumatic events are not at all uncommon in children especially, and can range dramatically. In a study of 1,400 children 9 to 16 years of age, 68 percent of children reported at least one traumatic event, and 13.4 percent of those experiencing trauma developed some post-traumatic symptoms (AHRQ, 2012). It has been proven that trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy has been beneficial in treating those who have experienced traumatic events. Mental Health Professionals are trained to respond and provide appropriate care for those involved. In this, the patient and family learn coping strategies and skills to manage their thoughts and behaviors. With this therapy, parents can learn how to cope alongside the child.
https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/trauma-child-interventions/research-protocol
In the case of childhood trauma, it is crucial that individuals seek interventions and education, to lessen the effect on the rest of their life. Individuals will find that they seek different levels of support. Some will simply want someone to listen, while others may need more instrumental forms of support. With the correct support, individuals can adapt and recover from the trauma they have faced. It is especially important for families to be understanding and supportive. Discussing with the child that they are not responsible for the events that have happened can also help them (SAMHSA, 2020). Patience is another trait that will be necessary during the time of recovery. Everyone deals with events at varying paces, so if an individual seems to be progressing more slowly, patience is key.
https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/recognizing-and-treating-child-traumatic-stress
Impact of Childhood Trauma on Sexuality
Childhood trauma can have various lasting impacts on sexuality and relationship development. The effect on sexuality differs by person, and depends on the type and degree of trauma endured. Traumatic experiences broadly include being neglected (physically, sexually, mentally), being seriously hurt, or seeing a loved one be seriously hurt (ECLKC, 2020). Typically, the symptoms experienced are what can negatively impact sexuality. Including the domains of, attachment, physical touch, regulation, behavioral control, cognition, and self concept (ECMHC, 2020). Attachment, physical touch, behavioral control, and self concept play the biggest roles in sexuality.
The signs of attachment disruption and impairment include difficulty trusting others, social isolation, difficulty seeking help, and clinginess or difficulty with separations. Physical disruption includes hypersensitivity to physical contact, sensorimotor development problems, and problems with coordination and balance. Behavioral control disruption includes oppositional behavior, sleep disturbance, eating disorders, reenactment of traumatic event/past, and self isolation practices. Low self esteem, shame and guilt, disturbance of body image, lack of continuous/ predictable sense of self are all possible signs of self concept disruption and impairment. All of these symptoms can negatively impact sexuality as they can be barriers for developing a healthy, safe relationship, and sex life.
The development of these disruptions typically follow children into adulthood in different forms such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, eating disorders, social difficulties, and more. As an adult, one or a combination of these diagnoses can have a major impact on their daily lives, and particularly on sexuality. The impact varies by person, degree of severity, and if the person is seeking resources and/or medication for help. Although these factors typically have a negative impact on sexuality, it is usually attainable for those who experienced childhood trauma to develop healthy and normal sex lives particularly with the use of resources and support.
https://www.ecmhc.org/tutorials/trauma/mod3_1.html
https://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/publication/signs-symptoms-childhood-trauma
Patient/Family Support
Childhood trauma and the other lasting effects of adverse childhood experiences require support from the family, caregivers, trusted adults and or external resources. Although, even with the help of support from the family members or others, some children can not recover on their own and may require professional mental health treatment. There are numerous cognitive behavioral therapies that are directed at children depending on the nature, timing, and amount of exposure to the trauma (SAMHSA, 2020). More information on these therapies and the resource websites can be accessed by the National Center of Substance Abuse and Child Welfare website. Many extra resources, online therapy portals and articles for trauma can be accessed on the Child Welfare Information Gateway website, composed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. That is where one can find specific therapies and interventions such as the Trust-Based Relational Intervention. This is a systematic approach for caregivers toward helping children who had experienced a complex developmental trauma. Adults found that being included in the intervention of their child’s physical, behavioral, and relational needs was the most beneficial form of treatment (Purvis et al., 2013).
https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/recognizing-and-treating-child-traumatic-stress
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/adoption-and-foster-care/P
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3877861/
The effects of interpersonal trauma regarding sexuality can be profound and there is not a direct route of treatment for men or women. Sexuality is an embodiment of one’s identity, so trauma rooted in sexual experiences that should be positive like touch, power, the ability to be soothed and relaxed, empathy and trust need to be assessed with care. The use of screenings like the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire is important in evaluating levels of trauma generally, but can be especially helpful with narrowing down feelings towards personal topics like sexuliaty. The Body Map Exercise is often used as a representation of the body that the person can use to illustrate trauma and stored negative sensation using colors symbolizing comfort levels. It also helps to gauge progress throughout treatment. Interventions with the victims using mindfulness techniques to help them regain their self-awareness and self assertiveness are important skills to assess if needed. Psychoeducation in group therapy settings has also been found to be helpful when dealing with feelings associated with their sexual trauma like shame, guilt, depression, and self-blame (Zoldbrod, 2015).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4431707/
Local Resources in Harrisonburg and the JMU Community
Collins Center
217 S Liberty St Suite 205, Harrisonburg
540-432-6430
https://www.hburgchc.org/for-patients/community-resource-guide/
JMU Counseling Center
Student Success Center, 738 S Mason St #3100, Harrisonburg, VA 22807