Childhood Trauma’s Effect On Adult Relationships
Traumatic experiences in childhood can have a severe and long-lasting effect even into adulthood. Children who have been traumatized see the world as a frightening and dangerous place. When childhood trauma is not resolved, this fundamental sense of fear and helplessness carries over into adulthood.
Childhood trauma results from anything that disrupts a child’s sense of safety and security including:
- An unstable or unsafe environment
- Separation from a parent
- Serious illness
- Intrusive medical procedures
- Sexual, physical or verbal abuse
- Domestic violence
- Neglect
- Bullying
Implications for Adult Relationships
The quality of the attachment bond between mother and young child effects the child’s ability, even as an adult, to feel safe in the world, trust others, handle stress, and rebound from disappointment. Early life trauma disrupts this important attachment bond, resulting in difficulties in relationships when the child enters adulthood. Fortunately trauma can be resolved through therapy and the adult can go on to form healthy and loving relationships