Adolescent Cognitive Development After Trauma - 4747 Words

Adolescent Cognitive Development After Trauma Raquel A. Figueroa Liberty University COUN 620-B02 Abstract In a generation of hopelessness, adolescents seek a purpose for their existence. They seek refugee from violence, abuse and maltreatment. The overwhelming pressure opens the door for instant gratification in drugs, alcohol, sexual activity, and fail to make appropriate adjustments in compromising circumstances. There is a correlation between traumatic experiences and adolescent cognitive development. A traumatic experience can alter an adolescent’s neural system and adversely affect the latter stages of brain development. Working with survivors of traumatic events requires an understanding of maladaptive†¦show more content†¦10) has detrimental consequences on adolescent development. Research shows chronic or complex trauma will take longer to recuperate from than an acute experience. According to Malchiodi (2009), â€Å"The Complex Trauma Taskforce of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) undertook a significant step in identifying and resolving the problems associated with diagnosing complex trauma in children† (p. 1). Adolescents diagnosed with complex trauma are more likely to engage in â€Å"maladaptive attempts at self-soothing† (van der Kolk amp; Pynoos, 2009, p. 11) that is expressed in high-risk behavior, chemical or substance dependency or aggressiveness toward others. Adolescents exposed to a traumatic event are predisposed to high-risk behaviors that range from â€Å"serious mental and physical health problems† (Bright, 2008, p. 18). Substance and chemical dependency, sexual activity, severe despondency, and suicide are just a few examples of maladaptive coping skills adolescents discover as a means of managing overwhelming emotions (Bright, 2008). Evidence suggests adolescents who think about how the trauma could have been prevented may suffer from extreme guilt. Untreated maladaptive behavior can become lethal toward others or themself. Adolescents face a conundrum of developmental challenges as they navigate through traumatic experiences and make positive use of healthy coping skills. Self-awareness and self-regulation are two important skillsShow MoreRelatedEmotional Trauma and the Adolescent Brain Essay example1311 Words   |  6 Pagesare many types of trauma that can effect an adolescent and without the proper treatment of the traumatic event the adolescent can have difficulty adapting and developing into adulthood. Kathleen J. Moroz, of the Vermont Agency of Human Services, defines trauma as a physical or psychological threat or assault to a child’s physical integrity, sense of self, safety of survival or to the physical safety of another person significant to the child. She goes on to list the types of trauma a child may beRead MoreTrauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy1299 Words   |  6 Pages(Faust et al., 2004)Very young children struggle with cognitive components of cognitive-behavioral i ntervention strategies because it exceeds their developmental capabilities (Faust Katchen, 2004). (Faust et al., 2004)As previously noted, a child is at a greater risk for the effects of severe sexual abuse in the first years of life (Faust Katchen, 2004). (Faust et al., 2004) One theory that alleviates symptoms of PTSD is Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This theory is designedRead MoreWhat Makes A Child Butt Out At Their Parents And Others? Essay1593 Words   |  7 Pagesserious accidents or even physical or sexual assault in adults and children or adolescents (Dodson, 2010). Psychological causes of PTSD are widely identified by medical professions to be the number one cause of mental disturbance among children, adolescents and veterans. There have been horrific impacts of traumatic childhood experience or cognitive development abilities that have impacted among children and adolescents. The traumatic affects to those veterans who attempt to fight through demons dueRead MorePosttraumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd )1514 Words   |  7 Pagesthat children exposed to trauma are at much greater risk for PTSD† (p. 22). Adolescents do not have any strong sense of resilience as compared to most adults that have been exposed to the sa me traumatic events. Review of Literature Studies confirm that PTSD is developed as a result of a traumatic event or from repetitive maltreatment. According to Bender, Postlewait, Thompson Springer (2011), study done by using data from the National Survey for Child and Adolescent Well-Being. The goal of theRead MoreThe Attachment, Self Regulation, And Competency1677 Words   |  7 PagesThe Attachment, Self-Regulation, and Competency (ARC) Framework is a theoretically grounded, evidence-informed, promising practice used to treat complex trauma in children and adolescents (Arvidson, 2011). This research shows how the application of the ARC model benefits inner city youth who have been diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The goal of this research is to demonstrate that symptoms of ODD can be decreased by exposing inner city youth to ARC therapy over a period of time. TheRead MorePsychology : A Human s Mind1399 Words   |  6 Pagesin applied psychology, my desire to obtain a Ph.D. in counseling psychology is mo tivated by a desire to build on my existing academic framework of psychological concepts to explore the link between behavior and trauma in order to better serve the communities that I work with: Adolescents. The understanding of the internal and external factors that determine coping mechanisms and responses to life stressors have been an integral and valuable aspect of my success as a counselor to date, as well asRead MoreThe Effects Of Traumatic Events On Infants And Young Children1320 Words   |  6 PagesIn recent years the research regarding trauma has shifted from adults to children. In the past, the impact of traumatic events on infants and young children has been passed over when in reality early childhood is the stage when a child is most vulnerable to the effects of trauma (Perry et. al., 1995). There are numerous interventions for early childhood trauma that focus on the child and the child’s primary caregiver. I wanted to design an intervention that will be able to go beyond the home environmentRead MoreDomestic Violence and Social Problems1268 Words   |  6 Pagesinappropriate attitudes about violence as a means to using violence themselves. If a child is raised in a violent home their going to believe its okay to use violence as a means to solving conflict. Children also experience bedwetting, delayed language development, and anxiety over separation of parents. Negative effects varies around age span differences. Infants in violent homes come in conflict with discrepancy in attachment. Often times they cry excessively having eating and sleeping problems, infantsRead MoreThe National Child Traumatic Stress Network ( Nctsn )1060 Words   |  5 Pagesby Congress in 2000 and brings a comprehensive focus to childhood trauma. This network raises the average standard of care and improves access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States. The NCTSN defines trauma‑focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF‑CBT) as an evidence‑based treatment approach that is shown to help children, adolescents, and their caregivers overcome trauma‑related difficulties. It is designed to reduce negative emotionalRead MoreThe Effects Of Extreme Abuse And Neglect Is The Development Of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd )1518 Words   |  7 Pagesmillion children are victims of abuse and neglect on a yearly basis. Of those one million children, 1500 will die due to abuse or neglect. It is also estimated that 50% of adolescents have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event (De Arellano and Danielson 2008). One particular consequence of extreme abuse and neglect is the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include persistent and recurrent invasive thoughts focused around the traumatic event, avoidance of symbolic