Trauma, defined by either witnessing or experiencing a life-threatening event or sexual violation, is common among adolescents. Complex trauma often begins early in life, and involves the relationship of the caregivers (Clark et al., 2015). Traumatic stress can be triggered by neglect, community violence, natural disasters, loss and/or grief, interpersonal violence, or accidents. Studies suggest that 60–70% of have experienced at least one traumatic event (Copeland et al., 2007). These early experiences can affect the brain structure and functioning, which provides the foundation for emotional development, health, and behavior. The early adverse experiences can disrupt healthy development. This disruption in development can lead to difficulties with behaviors, emotions, school, and health problems. The more traumatic events experienced by an adolescent, the more likely they will experience impact for longer and will be more substantial. An adolescent who has been exposed to multiple traumas may become overwhelmed with each event and more convinced that the world is not a safe place.
What happens to the adolescent can affect their attachment style in their adult relationships. The adolescent may develop insecure avoidant attachment styles as adults if they experienced any events where their needs were not responded to. As adults with this attachment style, they may avoid close relationships. They may have difficulty with expressing feelings, hide feelings, push people away, or shut down when others show any emotions. If an adolescent experienced neglect or abuse, they may develop fearful-avoidant attachment style. As adults, this attachment style may make it difficult for them to trust people, may cause them to feel uncomfortable with showing affection, and they may close themselves off emotionally.
In relationships, these attachment styles may cause difficulties ranging from frequent arguments, to insecurities from a partner. Survivors of trauma may have difficulty with maintaining relationships (Clark et al., 2015). Knowing what to look for, explaining to their partner on what to expect with the attachment style, and being open and willing to work through the difficulties with the attachment style can help decrease the frequency of negative impact from these attachment styles.
Reference
Clark, C., Classen, C. C., Fourt, A., & Shetty, M. (2015). Treating the trauma survivor: An essential guide to trauma-informed care. New York, NY: Routledge.
Copeland, W. E., Angold, A., & Costello, E. J. (2007). Traumatic events and posttraumatic stress in childhood. Achieves of General Psychiatry, 64, 577-584.
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