Improving mental health outcomes: A recent study from the University of East Anglia explains why some children and adolescents develop mental health disorders like PTSD, anxiety, or depression following traumatic events
The severity of the event itself isn’t the primary predictor of long-term psychological outcomes, but how children mentally process the trauma, specifically, their memories of the event and their self-perceptions afterwards, plays a key role.
How children respond to trauma
Researchers found that children who develop negative self-perceptions or distorted memories following trauma are more likely to experience lasting psychological impacts. This insight suggests that cognitive factors, such as how a child remembers the traumatic incident and interprets its significance, are more influential than the objective severity of the event.
The study involved 260 children aged eight to 17 who had experienced various traumatic incidents like car crashes or assaults. Researchers assessed the children’s mental health at two and nine weeks post-trauma using questionnaires and interviews with parents. They discovered that cognitive models focusing on how children think about their trauma were more accurate in predicting mental health outcomes than models based on social or psychological factors alone.
A child’s subjective perception of the event’s severity had a stronger impact on their mental health than objective measures. This finding underscores the importance of addressing cognitive distortions and negative thoughts early on to mitigate the risk of PTSD, complex PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
The role of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) appears to be a promising treatment approach. By targeting negative thought patterns and distorted memories, therapists can potentially improve recovery outcomes for children who have experienced trauma. This therapeutic strategy aims to help children reframe their perceptions of the traumatic event, therfor reducing the likelihood of developing debilitating mental health disorders.
The study’s findings highlight the need for personalised interventions that consider how children process and remember trauma. Recognising that cognitive factors significantly influence mental health outcomes highlights the importance of tailored therapeutic approaches in clinical practice.
Further research could explore specific cognitive patterns associated with different mental health disorders post-trauma. By refining our understanding of these cognitive processes, clinicians can better support young people in overcoming the psychological impacts of traumatic events.
