Trauma is often described in three categories: Acute, Chronic, and Complex.
Acute trauma is a one-time traumatic event. Acute trauma is usually short term and recovery is likely. Some examples of acute trauma are an automobile accident, or a natural disaster such as a flood or a hurricane.
Chronic trauma describes multiple traumatic events, which may vary in circumstance. For example, a child may be a victim of a physical assault at school, then be in a car accident, then endure medical trauma related to the accident. Chronic trauma can have a cumulative effect.
Complex trauma often begins early in life, and may impact a child’s development. It can also affect the ability to form secure attachment bonds – a main source of safety and stability. Events that cause complex trauma are severe and often invasive and interpersonal. For example, ongoing abuse by a parent or profound neglect.
Complex trauma is often related to relational trauma. It occurs when a parent or primary caregiver is the cause of traumatic stress, abuse, or neglect in early childhood. Infants and young children rely on their parents and primary caregivers to meet their needs, including feeding, soothing and bonding. When primary needs are not met, or attachment bonds are unhealthy or broken, a child’s brain changes. These changes may negatively impact development and coping skills into adulthood.
