CHILDREN & ADOLESCENTS' EXPERIENCE OF LOSS AND TRAUMA
by
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.
DECLARATION
I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.
Signed __________________ Date _________________
ABSTRACT
In this study we try to explore the concept of “Trauma and loss” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “trauma and loss” and its impact on “Children and Adolescents”. The research also analyzes various aspects of “trauma”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “adverse experiences” and tries to describe the overall effect of “trauma, loss and grief” on “Children and Adolescents”.
Exposure to trauma continues to be a pervasive and detrimental experience in the lives of children and adolescents in impoverished, urban communities. This study explored the impact of trauma, dissociation, and posttraumatic stress on children and adolescents. Trauma was investigated broadly, including a range of traumatic experiences, with particular attention given to different types, chronicity, multiple exposures and severity of trauma. Dissociation was investigated as a mediator, or mechanism of the relationships among trauma and posttraumatic stress symptoms, internalizing and externalizing behaviours. This study undertook the issue of how to conceptualize trauma exposure as a research to fully capture the nuances of such a complex and multi-faceted construct.
Table of Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII
DECLARATIONIII
ABSTRACTIV
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW1
Research Question1
Rationale1
Scope of Study2
Theoretical Framework2
Literature Review4
Epidemiology of Trauma12
Exposure to Violence15
Traumatic Events16
Maltreatment17
Child Abuse18
Child Sexual Abuse19
Homicide20
Answer Conditioned Fear21
Altered Cognitions21
Post-Traumatic Symptoms in Children and Adolescents22
DSM24
Symptoms24
Children and Adolescents Traumatized by Sexual Abuse28
Traumatic Stress31
Ambiguous Loss32
Traumatic Loss33
Childhood Traumatic Grief34
Methodology35
Search Technique37
Literature Search37
Inclusion Criteria39
Exclusion Criteria39
Critical Appraisal Tool40
Search Terms - Key Terms40
Additional Online Searches40
Ethical Concerns40
Validity42
Reliability/Dependability43
Limitations and Suggestion for Future Research44
Findings45
Adolescent Loss and Grief46
Severity of Trauma47
Abuse on Children48
Emotional effects49
Fear49
Depression49
Impact of Homicide50
PTSD50
DID52
Traumatic Loss and Grief52
Affects of Trauma53
Problems in Identity Development in Adolescents54
Problem in Moral Development of Adolescents54
Conclusion55
REFERENCES57
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW
Research Question
The study answers following research question:
Analyse the experience of children and adolescents facing trauma or loss.
Understand the impact of loss or trauma on children's and adolescent's development.
What are different reactions of traumatized children and adolescents?
Rationale
Children and adolescent have suffered a long history of trauma and loss through antiquated socially constructed rearing practices, which involved actively devaluing children and adolescents. It could be argued that children and adolescents have had to be resilient throughout time; however, not all children and adolescent have successfully negotiated the trials and tribulations to emerge unscathed as successfully functioning people in the society. In the present day, childhood is viewed as a time of innocence (Elliott, 2003, 603-611). In Western society children are valued, nurtured, and protected. With these values in mind, the violence against youth is of much concern to those who live and work with children. Much research has been done in the area of 'at risk' youth which ...