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
 
Elementary School
Clinging
Resumption of outgrown habits
Competition with siblings
Repetitive talking; reenacting
  trauma
Disobedience
Drop in school performance
 
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
 
Affective (Emotional)
Pre-school
Generalized fears
Nervousness, anxieties, and
  worries
Separation anxiety
Fearful of reminders
Panicked/hysterical
Irritability
Blunted or numb
 
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
 
Junior/Senior High
Anger, hostility, belligerence
Guilt
Chronic sadness/depression
Anxiety
     
     
Somatic (Physical)

Pre-School
Loss of appetite
Pale appearance
Overeating
Bowel/bladder problems
Sleep disturbances
Nightmares

 
Elementary School
Complaints about vision
Complaints about stomach problems
Headaches
Pale appearance
Itching
Sleep disturbances
 
Junior/Senior High
Headaches
Vague complaints, pain
Skin rashes
Loss of appetite/overeating
 
Cognitive (Thoughts)

Pre-School
Shorter attention span
Confusion regarding:
  event
  locations
  sequencing
  death

Elementary School
Confusion regarding:
  event
  sequencing
Inability to concentrate
 
Junior/Senior High
Problems concentrating
Overconcern re: health
Intellectualization
Rationalization
 

 

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