[Coping with acute psychological traumas in childhood]

Abstract

While there is increasing knowledge about predictors of posttraumatic stress reactions in adults, much less is known in children. Importantly, the theoretical integration of research findings and the development of models of post-trauma adaptation have been neglected. After some introducing remarks on the classification and the prevalence of posttraumatic stress reactions, this paper aims to integrate current research findings within a trauma adaptation model that is based on transactional stress theory. Characteristics of the trauma, the child and the social context are assumed to predict posttraumatic adaptation. The effect of these variables on trauma adaptation may be direct or indirect, i.e. mediated by appraisals and coping processes. Based on the proposed theoretical model current research findings are presented and discussed in detail. Finally, the usefulness of the model for the planning and the development of psychosocial interventions after trauma is shown.