The link between childhood trauma and adult behaviour

23rd August 2024 / Written by Harbor London

When children face situations where they fear for their lives, believe they will be injured, witness violence, or tragically lose a loved one, they may exhibit signs of child traumatic stress9.

Childhood trauma is increasingly recognised for its profound impact on mental health. This growing awareness underscores the importance of understanding how child abuse and neglect can affect long-term wellbeing1. Research shows that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as economic hardship, neglect, sexual and emotional abuse, discrimination, household dysfunction, exposure to violence, parental mental illness, and substance use significantly shape mental health outcomes2-3.

 

The significance of recognising and addressing childhood trauma is paramount for effective adult mental health treatment. Statistics reveal a startling prevalence: more than two-thirds of children report experiencing at least one traumatic event by the age of 164. This highlights the necessity for trauma-informed care (TIC), which involves a comprehensive understanding of traumatic stress reactions and common responses to trauma5. Such an approach is crucial because trauma affects everyone differently, necessitating personalised and individualised treatment programmes5.

 

What Is Childhood Trauma?

 

Childhood trauma, also known as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) – along with related terms such as childhood maltreatment – encompasses a range of negative childhood experiences that can have lasting impacts on an individual’s mental and physical health6. The World Health Organisation defines child maltreatment and adversity as all forms of physical and emotional abuse, neglect, or exploitation that result in actual or potential harm to a child7. Understanding childhood trauma is crucial for providing effective care and support to affected individuals.

 

Trauma involves symptoms such as avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, increased reactivity, and re-experiencing the fear associated with the traumatic event8. When these interfere with a child’s daily life and ability to function, they indicate traumatic stress9. Common causes of childhood trauma include4,9:

  • Psychological, physical, or sexual abuse
  • Community or school violence
  • Witnessing or experiencing domestic violence
  • Natural disasters or terrorism
  • Commercial sexual exploitation
  • Sudden or violent loss of a loved one
  • Physical or sexual assault
  • Neglect
  • Serious accidents or life-threatening illness

 

Young children are particularly vulnerable to trauma as their sense of safety is closely tied to their attachment figures’ perceived safety9. When children face situations where they fear for their lives, believe they will be injured, witness violence, or tragically lose a loved one, they may exhibit signs of child traumatic stress9. Even infants and toddlers can experience traumatic stress, and the way in which such trauma manifestations will vary depending on the child’s age and developmental level9.

 

Understanding the causes and effects of childhood trauma is vital for healthcare professionals to provide tailored and effective treatment for their patients.

 

Recognising signs of unhealed childhood trauma in children

 

Identifying unhealed childhood trauma is crucial for early intervention, diagnosis and effective treatment. Children who have experienced trauma may exhibit a range of symptoms and behaviours that signal ongoing distress. These traumatic reactions can manifest as intense and ongoing emotional upset, behavioural changes such as avoidance of certain people, places, or situations, difficulties with self-regulation, and distorted beliefs about oneself or others9. Additionally, children may struggle to form attachments, regress or lose previously acquired skills, become overly self-critical, and experience detachment and social withdrawal10.

 

Trauma can also impact a child’s cognitive and physical wellbeing. Attention and academic difficulties, nightmares, trouble sleeping and eating, and physical symptoms such as aches and pains are common indicators of unhealed trauma9. Older children may turn to drugs or alcohol, engage in risky behaviours, or participate in unhealthy sexual activities as coping mechanisms9. The physiological reactions to trauma can include a pounding heart, vomiting, or loss of bowel or bladder control; reflecting the intense fear, helplessness, or terror they may feel9.

 

Without appropriate treatment, repeated exposure to traumatic events in childhood can have severe long-term consequences. These include alterations to the brain and nervous system, leading to increased health-risk behaviours such as smoking, eating disorders, substance use, and engaging in high-risk activities9. Research indicates that child trauma survivors are more likely to develop long-term health issues like diabetes and heart disease, and may face a reduced lifespan9. Traumatic stress also correlates with higher utilisation of health and mental health services, and increased involvement with the child welfare and juvenile justice systems9.

 

Long-term effects of childhood trauma on adult behaviour

 

The impact of childhood trauma extends far beyond the initial traumatic event, deeply influencing adult behaviour and mental health9. Traumatic experiences leave a legacy of reminders that may persist for years, linked to various aspects of the traumatic experience, its circumstances, and its aftermath9. Individuals may be reminded of the trauma by persons, places, things, situations, anniversaries, or feelings such as renewed fear or sadness9. Physical reactions, such as an increased heart rate or other bodily sensations, can also serve as reminders, causing fluctuations in distress, behaviour, and functioning over time9.

 

Adults who have survived childhood trauma often face challenges in building and maintaining fulfilling relationships10-12, as well as sustaining employment9. Those living with trauma may be afraid to trust anyone fully or be unable to commit in a relationship, often developing unhealthy attachments10. Research indicates that individuals who experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse during childhood are more likely to exhibit insecure attachment styles, such as being fearful, preoccupied, and dismissive11. Conversely, those without such experiences tend to have secure attachment styles into adulthood12.

 

The ability to express or regulate emotions is another area affected by childhood trauma10,13. Adults may struggle to articulate their thoughts without emotional outbursts, displaying uncontrollable anger or withdrawal13. They may also exhibit intense dislike or mistrust of authority figures, making interactions with such individuals particularly challenging10. Furthermore, handling stressful situations becomes more difficult, with trauma survivors often becoming easily overwhelmed or having a lower tolerance for frustration10. Socially, they may avoid certain types of social events or interactions, fearing harm or rejection14. In professional settings, trauma can lead to absent-mindedness or an inability to focus clearly, affecting work performance10.

 

Self-esteem issues are also prevalent among adult survivors of childhood trauma. Feelings of worthlessness, shame, or self-blame can lead to a negative self-image, significantly impacting their ability to achieve personal and professional goals14-15.

 

Childhood trauma is also closely linked to the development of various mental health conditions in adulthood. Previous studies have identified childhood maltreatment as a critical risk factor for developing psychiatric disorders15 such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, psychotic disorders, and anger issues16-17. Many individuals with a history of significant attachment and developmental traumas struggle with symptoms associated with mood disorders, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, post-traumatic symptoms, or obsessive-compulsive behaviours17. According to the NHS, one in three newly diagnosed mental health conditions in adults is directly linked to adverse experiences in childhood18. There are also links between the development of one mental health condition as a result of trauma, and another mental health condition as a result of the first. One study specifically noted that the two main symptoms of PTSD – avoidance and numbing – are distinctively correlated with the development of psychiatric disorders in later life19. Moreover, there is evidence of a dose-response relationship, with those exposed to multiple forms of maltreatment having more than three times the odds of developing a mental disorder20.

 

Childhood trauma can also be linked to substance use disorders21-25. Individuals who experience abuse or trauma in childhood may turn to alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms, leading to substance use disorders16. Research has shown that as the number of ACEs increases, so does the risk of alcohol and other drug use in adulthood21-22. The dysregulation of the stress system resulting from childhood trauma23 plays a crucial role in the development of addiction in later life24. Alcohol and other drugs – as well as rewarding behaviours – can offer a reprieve from chronic hyperarousal and anxiety associated with stress system dysregulation24-25. This complex interplay between trauma, mental health, and addiction underscores the importance of comprehensive and individualised treatment approaches.

 

Healing childhood trauma: effective approaches

 

Addressing and healing childhood trauma is crucial for the long-term wellbeing of individuals affected by early adverse experiences. Unresolved trauma can lead to severe mental health issues, impacting all aspects of life. Modern therapeutic approaches offer effective means to heal these deep-seated wounds, fostering resilience and recovery.

 

Psychotherapy, particularly trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), has proven effective in changing how individuals understand their thoughts, abilities, and behaviours. By developing healthy coping mechanisms, CBT helps manage the lasting effects of traumatic events15. Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is another powerful tool. EMDR combines side-to-side eye movements with structured talk therapy, enabling individuals to reprocess traumatic memories until they no longer cause distress.

 

Support from friends, loved ones, or support groups plays a vital role in the healing process. Such connections help individuals feel less isolated, providing a network of understanding and encouragement15. Additionally, stress reduction techniques like mindfulness, exercise, and other activities can significantly improve mood and promote emotional regulation. Meditation, for instance, focuses the mind on the present, reducing stress and restoring inner calm. Mindfulness practices help lower stress levels, enhance self-connection, and improve emotional regulation, which are all essential for managing trauma-related stress.

 

Maintaining a healthy routine is also important. Regular schedules for eating, sleeping, and exercising can help individuals feel more grounded and less overwhelmed, supporting their overall mental health and recovery15.

 

Moving forward with trauma-informed care

 

Understanding and addressing childhood trauma is crucial for effective adult mental health treatment. By recognising the signs of unhealed trauma in children and understanding its long-term effects on adult behaviour, healthcare professionals can better support those affected.

 

Trauma-informed care is essential in providing comprehensive support for adults dealing with the repercussions of childhood trauma. This approach recognises the pervasive impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into treatment strategies.

 

At Harbor, we specialise in delivering wholly personalised therapy, tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Our dedicated team employs advanced therapeutic techniques to help clients navigate their trauma and achieve lasting recovery.

 

For more information on our approach to treating childhood trauma and to explore how we can support you or your patients, please visit our website or contact us today.

 

References

 

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