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 ...