3.3.3 - Describe the factors assumed to contribute to the development of traumatic stress disorders in childhood

Question 1

What proportion of children exposed to PTEs develop PTSD?

Answer 1

1/3

Question 2

What are the factors that contribute to the outcome of PTSD?

Answer 2

Nature of event
Child’s response to event - cognitive, emotional, psychobiological.
Personal characteristics such as biological vulnerability, previous exposure to PTEs, coping, age, gender
Characteristics of the socio-economic environment (SES, support received)
Extent of hyperarousal at the time of the event

Question 3

What can you say about resilience and PTSD

Answer 3

More resilience means less likely to develop PTSD

Resilient temperament makes a child more adaptable to change

Question 4

Describe the three factor clusters that contribute to the development of traumatic stress disorders

Answer 4

Environmental
severity/type of trauma
proximity of trauma
duration
separation from family/home

Family
Parental reaction is crucial
Family and peer support

Child 
Appraisal of event
Attribution of the event
poor stress coping
temperament, including resilience and autonomic arousal
previous exposure to trauma

Question 5

Describe the main elements of a Cognitive Behavioural intervention for a child with PTSD

Answer 5

Reforming the memories into a coherent narrative of the traumatic event
Identify and modify unhelpful thoughts about it
Imaginal and Invivo exposure
Sleep hygiene
Parent work
Relapse prevention