Developmental Trauma: Theory, Research and Practice

Developmental Trauma is a comprehensive introduction to the research findings that help us understand the effects of early childhood trauma and adaptation to stress. It explores relational traumas and adverse childhood experiences, such as exposure to family and community violence, polyvictimization, and disruptions to parent-child bonds, and how they affect self-regulation capacities, identity development, self-esteem, and faith in oneself and others. It also considers toxic stress embedded in social systems and institutional policies and procedures that cause individuals to suffer, experience psychiatric and medical problems, and lead to social and economic adversities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 29 June 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Developmental Trauma is a comprehensive exploration of the profound effects of early childhood trauma and stress on human development. It delves into the distinctions between DTD and PTSD, shedding light on how DTD originates from a toxic seed planted at the very beginning of an individual's lifespan. This essential volume examines relational traumas, adverse childhood experiences, such as exposure to family and community violence, polyvictimization (multiple repeated childhood traumas), and disruptions to parent-child bonds, which lay the groundwork for future relationships. It also examines how DTD impacts self-regulation capacities, identity development, self-esteem, and faith in oneself and others, increasing the likelihood of comorbidities like ADHD and autism spectrum disorders.

Individuals who have indications of developmental trauma face lifelong challenges in building and maintaining trusting relationships, developing effective coping strategies, and adapting to academic and professional environments. However, Daniel Cruz's work goes beyond individual levels of analysis, delving into the toxic stress embedded in social systems and institutional policies and procedures that cause individuals to suffer, experience psychiatric and medical problems, and face social and economic adversities such as poverty, homelessness, and involvement in criminal activity.

Key topics explored in this book include institutional betrayal, such as sexual assaults and workplace bullying, and judicial betrayal when failures from the legal system fail to adequately protect victims of trauma, particularly in cases of domestic violence. By examining these critical issues, Developmental Trauma provides a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between trauma, social systems, and individual well-being, offering valuable insights for students of child and adolescent psychology and development.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032303635