Interpersonal Trauma Case Study

Trauma can be described as experiences or situations that cause physical, emotional or mental pain, that one cannot control. For children and adolescents, the most common trauma is interpersonal trauma which affects their biological, cognitive, psychological and social developments. (D’Andrea, Ford, Stolbach, Spinazzola, & Van der Kolk, 2012). When someone experiences trauma they experience negative results throughout their body, there is an increased level of cortisol and catecholamine that result in the bodies increase of heart rate, blood pressure and can suppress their immune system which can then trigger physical problems such as ulcers or stomach pain if there is prolonged exposure to the trauma (De Bellis & Zisk, 2014). Also, there …show more content…
However, more women experience PTSD than men when exposed to this trauma, (Ruglass & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). When you break down trauma into different categories you find that African-Americans as well as Hispanics are more likely to be exposed to child maltreatment and neglect than Whites. (Ruglass & Kendall-Tackett, 2014) In addition, there is a higher likelihood of exposure to war and combat trauma within Asians, African-American men and Hispanic women. (Ruglass & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). In contrast when you look at domestic violence and sexual abuse or assault girls and women are at a greater risk of victimization. (samhsa.gov, 2015) African-Americans are at a greater risk of exposure to homicides, rapes and physical assaults (Ruglass & Kendall-Tackett, 2014). Also within the United States men are at a greater risk than women for exposure to natural disasters, (samhsa.gov, 2015). Furthermore, people that reside in urban areas, those that have lower socioeconomic backgrounds, and limited education are at greater risks for traumatic experience, they are also less likely to be treated for their traumatic experiences, (Ruglass & Kendall-Tackett, …show more content…
When the trauma comes from a caregiver, there is a loss of attachment, that one needs for growth and development. When someone losses that attachment they may cling more to their beliefs and faith, fusing a deeper connection between themselves and God, (Maltby & Hall, 2012). When spirituality and faith are included in trauma recovery, there is a less likelihood that victims will suffer from post-trauma symptoms and there is a higher chance for a positive recovery, (Lee, Park, & Hale, 2016). (NIV) Isaiah 41:10 states “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am you God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” However, even though spirituality can aide in the recovery after trauma, one must also consider the effects spirituality can have during the actual trauma. Victims of trauma can experience a crisis in faith and spirituality, were they question their beliefs and wonder why the trauma is happening to them, (Lee, Park, & Hale, 2016). Victims may also struggle with the thoughts that they brought the trauma on themselves and that God no longer loves them because of the traumatic event, (Zenkert, Brabender, & Slater, 2014). Word