Studies estimate that between 15–43% of girls and 14–43% of boys will experience at least one traumatic event. Out of those children who experience trauma, 3–15% of girls and 1–6% of boys will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Erk, 2008, p. 246). Risk factors for the development of PTSD include the severity of the trauma, parental reactions to the trauma, the amount of parental support given to a child or adolescent, and how close the child or adolescent is to the trauma (Prout & Brown, 2007, p. 231). Often, young children show signs of PTSD in their play. For example, children who experienced sexual trauma may act out the trauma by using dolls. Adolescents’ PTSD symptoms often mirror those of adults. There are many treatment options for children and adolescents with PTSD, and no matter the type of treatment you choose, it is important that the child or adolescent you treat feels at ease when participating in counseling.
For this Discussion, select a current traumatic event in the news involving children and/or adolescents. Consider possible PTSD symptoms commonly seen with this type of trauma. Also, consider how you might be affected if you were to counsel a child or adolescent who was traumatized by this event.
References:
Prout, H. T., & Brown, D. T. (2007). Counseling and psychotherapy with children and adolescents: Theory and practice for school and clinical settings. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.
Erk, J. (Ed.). (2008). Counseling treatment for children and adolescents with DSM-IV-TR disorders (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Merrill Prentice Hall.
With these thoughts in mind:
Post by Day 4 a brief description of the traumatic event you selected. Then, describe two symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) commonly seen with this type of trauma and explain why. Be specific. Finally, explain one way you might be affected by counseling children or adolescents who have experienced this traumatic event and why.
References:
- Gil, E., & Rubin, L. (2005). Countertransference play: Informing and enhancing therapist self-awareness through play
. International Journal of Play Therapy, 14(2), 87–102.
© 2005 by AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. Reprinted by permission of AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION via the Copyright Clearance Center. - Pynoos, R. S., Steinberg, A. M., Layne, C. M., Briggs, E. C., Ostrowski, S. A., & Fairbank, J. A. (2009). DSM-V PTSD diagnostic criteria for children and adolescents: A developmental perspective and recommendations . Journal of Traumatic Stress, 22(5), 391–398.
© 2009 by BLACKWELL PUBLISHING. Reprinted by permission of BLACKWELL PUBLISHING via the Copyright Clearance Center. - Stover, C. S., Hahn, H., Im, J. Y., & Berkowitz, S. (2010). Agreement of parent and child reports of trauma exposure and symptoms in the early aftermath of a traumatic event. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 2(3), 159–168.