By Benjamin E. Saunders, PhD and Zachary W. Adams, PhD
The epidemiology of traumatic experiences in childhood is a key context for research, clinical treatment, program management, and policy development. This article discusses the conceptual, methodological, and programmatic challenges in precisely answering even relatively simple questions concerning the basic prevalence and incidence of important trauma types among American youth. Findings from studies using nationally representative samples and directly interviewing youth about their trauma histories are reviewed, and lifetime prevalence rates for various types of traumatic experience presented. Clinical application of this information and future directions are discussed.
Understanding the epidemiology of traumatic experiences in childhood is critical to conducting meaningful trauma research, developing effective trauma services and service delivery systems, and efficiently allocating resources for both activities. Without an understanding of the basic topography of these events in the lives of youth, there is a danger of over focusing on extraordinary, emotionally gripping, or highly visible types of events and overlooking less obvious or dramatic, but perhaps highly significant forms of trauma…
Share This Post!
Managing stress during the COVID-19 pandemic
While we are all focusing on taking care of our physical health as the outbreak of COVID-19 develops, it’s also important to keep our mental health a priority. When there is a [...]
Integrating parents with trauma histories into child trauma treatment: Establishing core components.
To identify core components of parent/caregiver integration into evidence based child trauma treatment models, specifically those parents/caregivers who have experienced trauma themselves. The Parent/Caregiver Trauma and Healing Coordinating Group (PCTHCG) of the [...]
‘All Kinds Of Trauma’: Students Are Returning To School, But Are We Ready To Help Them Cope?
Rosalinda Guzman was inside a bathroom stall at school when something begged for attention. It was on the door, where the school posts announcements. “That little tiny piece of paper was just [...]
Identifying the Intersection of Trauma and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity: Part I: Key Considerations
WHY ASK ABOUT SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND GENDER IDENTITY? There is a growing body of evidence showing that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer/Questioning (LGBTQ+) youth suffer from potentially traumatic events (PTEs) at [...]
Heal trauma with rhythm
Anyone who’s soothed a fussing baby knows that gentle rocking often does the trick. The vestibular (balance-related) stimulation that rocking creates is certainly a part of that. Equally important is the rhythm [...]
Will My Child Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Crisis?
With many months of the coronavirus crisis behind us and still more uncertainty and stress ahead, life is tough right now for kids of all ages. Many parents — seeing their children [...]