Maltreatment and Trauma: Toward a Comprehensive Model of Abused Children from Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Knowledge of how maltreatment and trauma aects personality functioning in abused children has been greatly enhanced by clinical theory and research in developmental psychology. Developmental research and theory has allowed the child abuse field to move beyond symptom-lists toward broader models of how trauma impacts major domains of personality functioning. However, these models continue to be based largely on discrete theories of development that parallel, if not confound, one another. This paper attempts to expand our understanding of the traumatized child by using the synthetic model of personality development expounded by Fred Pine that promotes a more holistic and comprehensive view of the abused child and, thus, enhances clinical theory and intervention.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Maltreated Youth: A Review of Contemporary Research and Thought

“…Factors that may exacerbate risk include female gender, younger age, behavioral inhibition, poor health, poor impulse control, comorbidity with depression and other disorders, poverty, media exposure, and adverse political circumstances. Factors that may attenuate risk include resilience, emotional regulation, selfidentity, adequate processing of difficult events, secure attachment, maturity of one's biological system, advanced language and cognitive development, good coping behavior and social skills, and broader variables such as culture (Buka et al 2001;De Bellis and Van Dillen 2005;Elliot and Carnes 2001;Fletcher 2003;Kaplow et al 2005;Koenen 2006;Pandit and Shah 2000;Scott et al 2003;van der Kolk 2007;Vernberg and Varela 2001;Weitzman 2005).…”

“…Integrative models of PTSD in youth include several variables discussed for adults but with special consideration of factors unique to this younger population. In addition, many researchers emphasize a transactional approach to risk factors for PTSD development in youth, especially with respect to parent and family factors (Fletcher 2003;Koenen 2006;Pandit and Shah 2000;van der Kolk 2007;Vernberg and Varela 2001;Weitzman 2005).…”

Autoridades tradicionales y maltrato infantil en el ámbito indígena. El caso de los MapuchePewenche en Chile

“…Dentro de dichas expresiones existe una dinámica de abuso de poder y sumisión de adultos en contra de niños. El impacto es profundo debido a que el perpetrador comúnmente es una persona cercana a y significativa para el niño (Barudy, 1998;Linares, 2002;Perrone, 2005;Weitzman, 2005), especialmente cuando existe una falta de apoyo social y acogimiento de los niños y condena legal para el perpetrador. Así, estas razones inhiben el proceso a través del cual los niños podrían reconocerse como víctimas, ya que el abuso parece ser algo normal transmitido entre generaciones.…”