MMCT
P.O. Box OS-3063
Osu-Accra, Ghana
West Africa
Phone:
233-21-77-48-82
233-244-77-93-36
233-244-76-12-63
233-244-79-76-85
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Common Reactions to Trauma – Children
(From Johnson, 1993, School Crisis Management)
| Behavioral (and Interpersonal) |
Pre-school
Bedwetting
Thumb sucking
Repetitive play; reenacting trauma
Anxious attachment, clinging
Aggression/disobedience |
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Elementary School
Clinging
Resumption of outgrown habits
Competition with siblings
Repetitive talking; reenacting
trauma
Disobedience
Drop in school performance |
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Junior/Senior High
Can't meet responsibilities
Resumes earlier coping styles
Withdraws socially; interpersonal
problems
Self-deprecation
Exhibits antisocial behavior
Abuses alcohol/drugs
Decline in school performance
Sudden changes in attitudes,
styles, relationships, personality
Acts "too old, too soon" (dropping
out, pregnancy, marriage)
Apathy |
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| Affective (Emotional) |
Pre-school
Generalized fears
Nervousness, anxieties, and
worries
Separation anxiety
Fearful of reminders
Panicked/hysterical
Irritability
Blunted or numb |
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Elementary School
Fear of recurrence, related stimuli
Wanting to be fed, dressed
School phobia
Avoidance of large groups
Aggression
Overconcern for family safety
Anger, hostility, belligerence
Apathy, withdrawal
Guilt
Sadness/Depression
Blunted or numb |
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Junior/Senior High
Anger, hostility, belligerence
Guilt
Chronic sadness/depression
Anxiety |
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| Somatic (Physical) |
Pre-School
Loss of appetite
Pale appearance
Overeating
Bowel/bladder problems
Sleep disturbances
Nightmares |
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Elementary School
Complaints about vision
Complaints about stomach problems
Headaches
Pale appearance
Itching
Sleep disturbances |
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Junior/Senior High
Headaches
Vague complaints, pain
Skin rashes
Loss of appetite/overeating |
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| Cognitive (Thoughts) |
Pre-School
Shorter attention span
Confusion regarding:
event
locations
sequencing
death |
Elementary School
Confusion regarding:
event
sequencing
Inability to concentrate |
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Junior/Senior High
Problems concentrating
Overconcern re: health
Intellectualization
Rationalization |
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