The Bio Psycho Social Spiritual Implications of Early Childhood Trauma

A Comprehensive Review

By

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Initially I would like to articulate gratitude for my dissertation proposal supervisor, classmates, and my friends whose constant and immense support has been a foundation of continuous inspiration and guidance. I would also like to thank my parents whose guidance and love was with me in whatever I have pursued so far. Furthermore, this dissertation reflects my opinion and takes on the issue and is it does not symbolize the University opinion.

Signature: _______________________________

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DECLARATION

I, (), would like to declare that all contents included in this study stand for my individual work without any aid, and this proposal has not been submitted for any examination at academic as well as professional level, previously. It is also represents my very own views and not essentially those that are associated with other university.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSi

DECLARATIONii

INTRODUCTION1

Problem Statement1

PURPOSE AND METHODOLOGY3

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE4

NEUROBIOLOGY5

Brain Development and Trauma5

Trauma and Neglect on the Developing Brain6

PSYCHOSOCIAL8

Trauma and Attachment8

Internal Working Models9

Chronic Exposure and Long-Term Consequences10

BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL EFFECTS OF NEGLECT AND ABUSE11

Anxiety, Depression and PTSD11

Developmental Delays13

Maladaptive Mental Responses13

Faulty thinking13

Mentalization14

Memory Loss14

Security / Attachment, Relational and Trust Issues15

Maladaptive Physical Responses16

Hyper-vigilence, Hyperarousal (or Fight, flight, or freeze response) and Dissociation16

Recapitulated Traumas and Abuse18

Isolation18

Sexual Promiscuity and Other High Risk Behaviors19

Self-Esteem Issues and Self-Care Issues19

Substance Abuse20

Medical Conditions and Disease21

High-risk for Suicidal Ideation21

DESCRIPTION OF TRAUMA RELATED DIAGNOSIS22

References24

INTRODUCTION

Problem Statement

Early childhood abuse is a subject that has received much attention in the psychological arena. Trauma related to neglect and abuse and is a severe public health issue that reportedly injures approximately 1,256,600 children every year in the United States alone (Sedlak, Mettenburg, Basena, Peta, McPherson, Greene, & Li, 2010; Miller-Perrin, & Perrin, 2007). There are many epidemiological studies indicating that children are exposed to childhood maltreatment at elevated rates. According to Sedlak et al., (2010) an official report revealed from organizations of child protections stating that in the United States of America approximately, 4 % of children experience the maltreatment in childhood. However; in U.S a national survey showed even higher rates. For instance, Finkelhor, Ormrod, Turner, and Hamby (2009) revealed that around ten percent of a nationally representative sample (N = 4549) were known to experience some types of maltreatment in childhood. Hence, a clear evidence exist indicating that the physical, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse are elated with an elevated mental health issues prevalence for instance; substance abuse, suicidal ideation, depression, posttraumatic stress, and anxiety (Kilpatrick, Acierno, Saunders, Resnick, Best, & Schnurr, 2000, Ruchkin, Henrich, Jones, Vermeiren, & Schwab-Stone, 2007; Mathew, Coplan, & Gorman, 2001; Wasserman, & McReynolds, 2011). According to World Health Organization, (2002), globally there are about 21% of deaths as these usually results from violence. Furthermore, individuals are known to suffer from mental health concerns, physical and sexual issues.

According to Futa, Nash, Hansen, and Garben, (2003), there are numerous problems that coincide with early childhood abuse, and those problems are increasingly recognized in recent decades. Interpersonal trauma is particularly devastating to a child's brain development and ability to form healthy socio-emotional ...