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Abstract

This dissertation considered the link between early childhood trauma and its potential long-term effects on a child’s mental health. With the number of mental health diagnosis’ rising the reason for this is important to consider. Research has suggested early childhood trauma makes a child considerably more likely to develop a long-term mental health problem showing the importance of being aware of the varying impacts of trauma in the early years of a child’s life. The rise in mental illness and understanding in how it can develop has allowed better support to become available to suit each child’s unique needs. As studies continue to progress and research continues to improve the understanding of mental illness can be continued to be developed with research currently largely focusing on considering the abnormal development of the brain due to early childhood trauma. This dissertation aimed to research three main areas, the causes and impacts of early childhood trauma, the link between early childhood trauma and long-term mental health issues and how children that have experienced early childhood trauma that caused poor mental well-being can seek support and how this support can help. A literature review was used for this dissertation to look at a wide variety of research and perspectives. Research in this area tends to agree that early childhood trauma can create long-term mental health issues in many cases however early intervention and support is helpful in reducing the risk of a mental illness becoming a long-term problem and, in some cases, children show no signs of poor mental wellbeing throughout childhood and adulthood. The main point stressed throughout research is that every child is unique and early childhood trauma affects each child differently.

Course: Early Childhood Studies - BA (Hons)

Date Deposited: 2022-04-08

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis13890.html