Noble Enlightenment Education
Institute
Diploma in Applied Child Psychology and
Behavioral Guidance
Assignment : The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Adult Mental
Health
Assigned by : Tr.
Submitted by : Daw Thae Su Su Aye
Student ID : 2-ACPBG-5
Date : 31.8.2025
Contents
Objectives
Introduction
hildhood trauma is an event experienced by a child that evokes fear and
is commonly violent, dangerous, or life-threatening.1 Also sometimes
referred to as adverse childhood experiences or ACEs, there are many
different experiences that can lead to trauma. Unfortunately, it is all too
common. An estimated 46% of children experience trauma at some point
in their young lives.2
While kids are resilient, they’re not made of stone. Adults often say things
like, "They were so young when that happened, they won’t even
remember it as an adult." However, it is important to recognize that
childhood trauma can have a lifelong effect.3
"As children's brains develop, they are learning how safe or unsafe the
world is through their experiences," says psychotherapist Yolanda
Renteria, LPC. "A child has to develop a way to protect itself from what it
deems unsafe; the ways in which a child protects itself shape their adult
personality."
Because of this, it’s important to recognize when a child may need
professional help to deal with their trauma. Early intervention can also
prevent the ongoing effects of the trauma into adulthood.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (n.d.a), the
prevalence of childhood trauma is staggering, with millions of children
worldwide experiencing adverse events each year. Nearly two-thirds of
adults report experiencing at least one adverse childhood experience
(ACE), such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction, during their
upbringing.
One of the most insidious aspects of childhood trauma is its silent nature.
Many children who experience trauma suffer in silence, unable to
articulate their pain or seek help from caregivers who may be unaware of
the abuse or neglect occurring within the home. As a result, childhood
trauma often goes unrecognized and untreated, leading to long-term
consequences that can persist well into adulthood (Courtois & Ford, 2012).
The impacts of childhood trauma are multifaceted, affecting virtually
every aspect of a person’s life. Despite the pervasive and far-reaching
effects of childhood trauma, however, there is hope for healing and
recovery.
Childhood trauma can have profound and enduring effects on a child’s
emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing, with consequences that
may persist into adulthood (Copley, 2023; Walker, 2013
Children exposed to trauma may experience a range of emotional
responses, including fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and confusion.
Additionally, trauma can impair a child’s ability to form secure
attachments and trust others, which can have long-term implications for
their relationships and interpersonal functioning (Siegel, 2012).
For many survivors of trauma, feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness
may become deeply ingrained, leading to low self-esteem, self-destructive
behaviors, and a pervasive sense of hopelessness (Mate, 2019; Walker,
2013).
Over time, untreated trauma can contribute to a variety of adverse
outcomes, including mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety,
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse (Courtois &
Ford, 2012; Levine, 2010).
Literatures
There are three main types of trauma:
Acute trauma: This results from a single stressful or dangerous event.
Chronic trauma: This results from repeated and prolonged exposure to
highly stressful events. Examples include cases of child abuse, bullying, or
domestic violence.
Complex trauma: This results from exposure to multiple traumatic events.
Secondary trauma, or vicarious trauma, is another type that may occur. In
this case, a person develops trauma symptoms due to close contact with
someone who has experienced a traumatic event.
7 Types of Adverse Childhood Experiences
Understanding the different types of adverse childhood experiences is
essential for therapists working with individuals who have endured trauma
during their formative years (Copley, 2023).
According to leading trauma experts, these experiences encompass a
range of physical, emotional, and environmental factors that can
profoundly impact a child’s development and wellbeing (Herman, 1997;
Levine, 2010; Mate, 2019; Ogden & Fisher, 2015; Siegel, 2012; Van der
Kolk, 2015; Walker, 2013).
1. Physical abuse
Physical abuse involves the intentional infliction of physical harm or injury
upon a child by a parent or caregiver.
It can manifest as hitting, kicking, shaking, burning, or other forms of
violence, resulting in bruises, fractures, or other injuries.
Children who experience physical abuse may develop a range of
emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety, depression,
aggression, and self-harm.
2. Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse encompasses behaviors that undermine a child’s self-
worth, confidence, and emotional wellbeing.
It can involve constant criticism, belittling, rejection, or threats of
abandonment, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness.
Emotional abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects on a child’s
self-esteem, interpersonal relationships, and mental health, contributing
to anxiety disorders, depression, and difficulties forming trusting
connections with others.
3. Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse refers to any sexual activity or behavior imposed on a child
by an adult or older individual in a position of power or authority.
It can include sexual touching, molestation, exploitation, or rape, leaving
the child feeling violated, confused, and ashamed.
Children who experience sexual abuse may struggle with a range of
psychological and emotional consequences, including PTSD, sexual
dysfunction, and difficulties forming healthy intimate relationships.
4. Neglect
Neglect occurs when a parent or caregiver fails to provide for a child’s
basic physical, emotional, or developmental needs.
It can involve inadequate supervision, nutrition, medical care, or
emotional support, leading to physical and emotional deprivation.
Children who experience neglect may suffer from malnutrition, poor
hygiene, developmental delays, and attachment difficulties, impacting
their overall health and wellbeing.
5. Household dysfunction
Household dysfunction encompasses a range of adverse circumstances
within the family environment that can negatively impact a child’s
wellbeing.
It may include parental substance abuse, mental illness, domestic
violence, incarceration, or divorce, creating an unstable and chaotic living
environment.
Children exposed to household dysfunction may experience emotional
trauma, disruption in attachment relationships, and heightened stress
levels, increasing their risk for behavioral problems, academic difficulties,
and mental health disorders.
6. Community violence
Community violence refers to exposure to violence or traumatic events
within the child’s broader community, such as witnessing or experiencing
crime, gang activity, war, genocide, or natural disasters.
It can lead to feelings of fear, helplessness, and insecurity, as well as
heightened vigilance and hypervigilance.
Children who experience community violence may develop symptoms of
PTSD, anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems, affecting their ability
to function effectively at home, school, and in social settings.
7. Grief and loss
Grief and loss encompass the experience of losing a loved one or
significant attachment figure through death, separation, or abandonment.
It can result in intense emotional pain, sadness, and longing, as well as
feelings of emptiness, disbelief, and anger.
Children who experience grief and loss may struggle with adjustment
difficulties, unresolved grief, and challenges in processing their emotions,
impacting their overall wellbeing and functioning.
9 Symptoms of Childhood Trauma in Adults
Recognizing the symptoms of childhood trauma in adults is crucial for
therapists in providing comprehensive and tailored treatment to
individuals who have experienced adverse childhood experiences
(Rothschild, 2000; Siegel, 2012; Walker, 2013).
These symptoms manifest across various domains of functioning and can
significantly impact an individual’s mental, emotional, and physical health.
By identifying these symptoms, therapists can develop targeted
interventions to address the underlying trauma and support individuals in
their healing journey.
Emotional dysregulation
Adults who have experienced childhood trauma may struggle with affect
regulation, leading to frequent mood swings, intense emotional reactions,
and difficulty managing stress (Van der Kolk, 2015).
Flashbacks and intrusive memories
Individuals may experience flashbacks, negative automatic thoughts, or
intrusive memories of traumatic events from their childhood, causing
distressing and vivid recollections of past experiences (Rothschilds, 2000;
Siegel, 2012).
Avoidance behaviors
Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind them of the
traumatic event(s) is common among adults with childhood trauma. This
may include avoiding certain social settings, relationships, or activities
that trigger distressing memories (Mate, 2019).
Hypervigilance
Adults who have experienced childhood trauma may exhibit
hypervigilance, constantly scanning their environment for potential
threats or danger. This heightened state of alertness can lead to feelings
of anxiety, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing (Rothschilds, 2000; Van
Der Kolk, 2015).
Difficulty trusting others
Trust issues are common among individuals with childhood trauma, as
they may have experienced betrayal, abandonment, or abuse by
caregivers or authority figures during their formative years (Fisher, 2017).
Low self-esteem and self-worth
Childhood trauma can profoundly impact an individual’s sense of self-
esteem and self-worth, leading to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy
(Copley, 2023; Fisher, 2017).
Relationship problems
Adults with childhood trauma may struggle with forming and maintaining
healthy relationships, experiencing difficulties with intimacy,
communication, and trust (Copley, 2023).
Substance abuse and addiction
Coping with the effects of childhood trauma may lead some individuals to
turn to substance abuse or addictive behaviors as a way of numbing
emotional pain and seeking relief (Mate, 2019).
Physical health issues
Childhood trauma can contribute to a range of physical health problems in
adulthood, including chronic pain, gastrointestinal issues, and
autoimmune disorders, as well as an increased risk of cardiovascular
disease and other chronic conditions (Levine, 2010).
How to Heal From Childhood Trauma: 5 Coping Strategies
Heal from chidhood traumaHealing from childhood trauma is a complex
and multifaceted process that requires a holistic approach addressing
various aspects of wellbeing.
In this section, we will explore five coping strategies leading researchers
have identified (Copley, 2023; Courtois & Ford, 2012; Siegel, 2012; Van
Der Kolk, 2015; Walker, 2013) that encompass emotional, psychological,
and relational dimensions to support individuals in their journey toward
healing and resilience.
1. Seek therapy
Engaging in therapy with a qualified mental health professional, such as a
therapist specializing in trauma-informed care or cognitive-behavioral
therapy, can provide valuable support and guidance in processing
traumatic experiences, building coping skills, and fostering emotional
healing.
2. Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation,
and grounding exercises, can help individuals cultivate present-moment
awareness, reduce stress and anxiety, and promote emotional regulation.
By staying grounded in the present, individuals can develop greater self-
awareness and coping resilience.
3. Build supportive relationships
Establishing and nurturing supportive relationships with trusted friends,
family members, or support groups can provide a sense of safety,
validation, and connection. Having a supportive network of individuals
who understand and validate one’s experiences can be instrumental in
the healing journey.
4. Engage in self-care
Prioritizing self-care activities, such as regular exercise, adequate sleep,
healthy nutrition, and engaging in hobbies or activities that bring joy and
relaxation, can help individuals replenish their physical and emotional
energy reserves. Self-care practices promote overall wellbeing and
resilience in the face of adversity.
5. Explore creative expression
Engaging in creative outlets, such as art therapy, journaling, music, or
dance, can provide a therapeutic means of self-expression and processing
emotions related to childhood trauma. Creative expression allows
individuals to explore and communicate their feelings nonverbally,
fostering healing and self-discovery.