As a completion of my Master in Pedagogical Sciences with specialization in Forensic Orthopedagogics at the University of Amsterdam, I would like to introduce you to my ongoing research on trauma.
Worldwide, children are exposed to traumatic events during their life course. It is estimated that one in four girls and one in five boys are confronted with such events (Anda et al., 1999, Felitti et al., 1998, Putnam, 2003). The experience of trauma in children leads to a high level of stress, which negatively affects cognitive, psychological, social and biological development (D'andrea, Ford, Solbach, Spinazzola, & van der Kolk, 2012; Kisiel et al., 2014; Nietlisbach, & Maercker, 2009). This in turn can lead to internalizing and / or externalizing disorders, reduced school performance and juvenile delinquency (Ford, Elhai, Connor, & Frueh, 2010, Greeson et al., 2014, Steinberg et al., 2014).
Nowadays it can be established that trauma is a risk factor for the development process of the child. In contrast, trauma is often underestimated and / or reported little in diagnostics (Zelechoski, et al., 2013). This can be explained by the high variety of symptoms and high comorbidity with psychiatric disorders. As a result, there is more risk of incorrect diagnosis and treatment (D'andrea, et al., (2012; Kisiel, et al., 2014; (Griffin, et al., 2011).
In short, it is crucial not only to justify treatments on the basis of visible symptoms, but also to see what the underlying cause can be, such as trauma. Scientific research and trauma-sensitive diagnostics try to contribute to this.
I sincerely hope that my research can enrich you and is another step in the right direction to optimize the diagnosis and treatment of traumatized children.
