![]() ![]() Typical causes of abandonment trauma include: The emotional distress that stems from this type of trauma can persist throughout the lifespan and lead to many health complications. Research published in Paediatrics & Child Health has found that adopted children who feel abandoned are likely to experience any of the following 7:Īccording to the World Health Organisation, the adverse effects of abandonment trauma ‘occur because children, whose care is less than adequate or whose care is disrupted in some way, may not receive sufficient nutrition they may be subjected to stress they may be physically abused and neglected they may develop malnutrition they may not grow well and early signs of illness may not be detected.’ 8Ībandonment trauma, also known as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) of abandonment, is caused by experiences that make us feel unsafe, insecure, and alone as children. Physical or verbal aggression towards others ![]() Older children who have experienced severe abandonment trauma, such as the sudden loss of a parent, are at risk of developing maladaptive coping behaviours such as: Worrying, crying, resistance when left at school or after school by a parent Fear of abandonment manifests in children as: Separation anxiety and the fear of abandonment become a cause for concern when they persist throughout the child’s life. In most cases, separation anxiety hits a peak at around one year old and ends by age three. Many children experience completely natural separation anxiety as part of their early development. It is natural for children to experience some degree of worry regarding their caregivers’ emotional and physical proximity. Signs and Symptoms of Abandonment Trauma in Children Other types of trauma or dysfunction within the family can still lead to the onset of such symptoms. 5 Not every child who experiences these circumstances will suffer from the long-term effects of abandonment trauma. Other circumstances that can lead to abandonment trauma include parental separation or divorce, incarceration of a parent, and sudden death of a parent. On the other hand, traumatic experiences during childhood, such as living with a mentally ill parent, or a parent who struggles with SUD, and is therefore unable to adequately attune to and care for their child, can disrupt a child’s development and impact their ability to find and maintain healthy, satisfying, and mutually-beneficial relationships. This crucial relationship shows us how to bond with others, identify our needs, and give and accept love. The relationship we experience with our primary caregiver(s) during our developmental years teaches us how to be and feel in relationships in later life. Mental health issues – depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder As such, abandonment trauma increases one’s risk of developing health issues such as 3:Įating disorders (Bulimia nervosa, anorexia nerviosa) Abandonment trauma in childhood can have a lasting impact on a person’s psyche, carried from childhood into adulthood. They are likely to feel low self-worth, shame, insecurity, and uncertainty about getting their needs met. The Impact of Abandonment Trauma on Child DevelopmentĬhildren who experience abandonment trauma feel unsafe in their bodies and the world. the parent has died or has left the child with another carer) or on an emotional level, such as when the caregiver struggles with substance abuse or other mental or behavioural health issues that get in the way of compassionate attunement. This can happen on a physical level (i.e. Often, this crucial early relationship can break down, and the child may suffer from abandonment trauma.Ībandonment trauma can occur when a parent is not emotionally available to their child. ![]() Unfortunately, attuned caregiver-child relationships are not a reality for many children and adults. ![]() Children who receive attuned care and nurturing from a caregiver develop a strong sense of self-esteem, feel secure in exploring the world around them, and feel a sense of confidence and trust in their adult professional, familial, platonic, and romantic relationships. If we were fortunate enough to grow up with an attuned caregiver, who could respond to our needs with gentleness and compassion, we had a chance to grow into a healthy adult. This attachment is crucial for our physical, psychological, and social development. We form strong attachments to our caregivers, who nurture us and attune to our emotional needs. From the moment we are born, we learn to relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us through our relationship with our primary caregiver(s), usually our parents. ![]()
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