Childhood Trauma and Posttraumatic Play

Abstract

Abstract This paper explores the literature on childhood trauma primarily from a psychoanalytic perspective. Its purpose is to present a link between early and more contemporary work and provide an evolution of the understanding of acute as well as chronic posttraumatic reactions and their treatment. It will examine how the impact of trauma is influenced by a variety of factors, including predisposing intrapsych-ic conflicts, age, the child'S role in the experience, the nature of the trauma, the length of exposure, and the availability of support. The phenomenon of posttraumatic play is addressed both as a symptom of trauma and as a means for healing. Lastly, a case study is presented of an eight-year-old boy whose exposure to his father'S abusiveness and incarceration made a lasting psychic impnnt which became a central organizer in his life. His treatment will be outlined to illustrate the course of childhood trauma in development and its influence on emotional, social, and cognitive functioning. Also i...