Trauma and Emotional Development ~ How are they linked?

Introduction
As a society, we are becoming increasingly aware of the effects of trauma on mental health. However, the link between trauma and emotional development is not always clear. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that trauma can have a significant impact on emotional development. This is particularly true in cases where the trauma is severe and/or repeated. However, it is important to note that not all people who experience trauma will go on to develop emotional problems. In fact, many people are able to recover from trauma and go on to lead healthy and happy lives.

The exact impact of trauma on emotional development will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the trauma, the age of the person when it occurred, and their individual coping mechanisms. However, there are some general trends that can be observed. For example, people who have experienced trauma often have difficulty regulating their emotions. They may also have trouble trusting other people, and they may be prone to outbursts of anger or violence.

Does trauma stunt emotional growth?
As you grow up, it’s common to use child-like coping methods to get your needs met. Temper tantrums, uncontrollable tears, and impulsive behaviors are all expected. However, if you continue to use these methods into adulthood, it could be a sign that your emotional growth has been stunted by trauma.

It’s not uncommon for people who have experienced trauma to feel like they are stuck in a child-like state. This can manifest in a number of ways, including difficulty regulating emotions, impulsivity, and problems with attachment. If you feel like you are struggling to grow up emotionally, it is important to seek professional help. With the right support, you can start to heal from your trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing your emotions.

How does trauma impact developmental stages?
In early childhood trauma can result in cognitive delays, disrupted attachment and impaired emotional regulation. Also, the underdevelopment of certain pathways and the over-development of others can lead to impairment later in life .

For example, if the fight-or-flight response is overdeveloped, it can lead to anxiety and hyper vigilance in adulthood. Conversely, if the freeze response is overdeveloped, it can lead to dissociation and numbing of emotions.

How does trauma effect emotional intelligence?
It was hypothesized that emotional intelligence increases after a traumatic event, but the research findings are mixed. Some studies found that emotional intelligence increased after trauma, while other studies found no significant change. It is possible that emotional intelligence may increase in the short-term after a traumatic event, but more research is needed to confirm this.

What is clear is that trauma can have a profound effect on emotional development. If you or someone you know has experienced trauma, it is important to seek professional help. Many online resources are available to help people cope with trauma and heal from its effects, which may be especially important in the age of COVID-19.

How does trauma affect emotional development?
The effects of trauma on emotional development can vary depending on the type of trauma experienced, as well as the age of the individual when the trauma occurred. However, some general trends have been observed. For example, people who have experienced trauma often have difficulty regulating their emotions. They may also have trouble trusting other people and may be prone to outbursts of anger or violence. Additionally, trauma can lead to problems with attachment, as well as difficulties in forming and maintaining relationships.

If you are concerned that your own trauma is impacting your emotional development, or if you are struggling to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic event, it is important to seek professional help. There are a number of online therapy providers who can offer you support and guidance.   (Use due diligence to select a therapist that can best help and with whom you feel comfortable.)  With the right help, you can start to rebuild your life and develop healthy coping mechanisms for managing your emotions.

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Guest article written by Sabahat Khan.  Sabahat is a writer who alongside content writing also writes fiction.  In addition to writing, she’s also a researcher particularly in the healthcare field.  When she’s not writing and learning about new topics, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Terry.

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