Types of Trauma [Review and Reflect]

What is Trauma?

Before exploring what educators can do to foster trauma informed classrooms, let's first ground ourselves in a basic understanding of what trauma is.  

Definition of Trauma

“Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or a set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individuals functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional or spiritual well being.” SAMHSA.GOV  Links to an external site.

 

Types of Trauma

“Trauma is often described in three categories: Acute, Chronic, and Complex.

Acute trauma is a one-time traumatic event. Acute trauma is usually short term and recovery is likely. Some examples of acute trauma are an automobile accident, or a natural disaster such as a flood or a hurricane.

Chronic trauma describes multiple traumatic events, which may vary in circumstance. For example, a child may be a victim of a physical assault at school, then be in a car accident, then endure medical trauma related to the accident. Chronic trauma can have a cumulative effect.

Complex trauma often begins early in life, and may impact a child’s development. It can also affect the ability to form secure attachment bonds – a main source of safety and stability. Events that cause complex trauma are severe and often invasive and interpersonal. For example, ongoing abuse by a parent or profound neglect.

Complex trauma is often related to relational trauma. It occurs when a parent or primary caregiver is the cause of traumatic stress, abuse, or neglect in early childhood. Infants and young children rely on their parents and primary caregivers to meet their needs, including feeding, soothing and bonding. When primary needs are not met, or attachment bonds are unhealthy or broken, a child’s brain changes. These changes may negatively impact development and coping skills into adulthood.”

Citation for types of trauma :https://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Training/Trauma_Informed_Care/19-types_of_trauma.html Links to an external site.

Source: https://www.nctsn.org/what-is-child-trauma/trauma-types Links to an external site.

Review and Reflect

There are many types of Trauma that students might be exposed to.  

Click one or both of the following links to view some of the trauma types that your children and youth may experience. Take notes in whatever format you typically use to explain any connections you made to your work as an educator.

• Trauma Types Links to an external site.
• Basic Facts About Child Trauma Links to an external site.

Reflect:

• What are some of the potential traumas your students may be exposed to?