Cumulative Trauma in Childhood
Date
2013
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Guilford Press
Abstract
As understanding of the way in which exposure to multiple types of traumatic experiences in childhood and adolescence can interfere with adjustment and the development of self-regulatory capacities grows,
clinicians and researchers will be able to take a trans-diagnostic approach to assessment, case formulation, and treatment planning and monitoring rather than attempting to diagnose and treat an overwhelming array of symptoms and co-morbid disorders. Although the bio-psychosocial problems facing clients with a history of ACEs, poly-victimization, or cumulative exposure to traumatic stressors —
and the corresponding challenges facing clinicians — are undeniably complex and daunting, taking a complex trauma framework derived from those three lines of research can paradoxically provide
a degree of simplicity to assessment and treatment that is the result of an integrative understanding of the importance of focusing on addressing stress reactivity and self-regulation
Description
item.page.type
Book chapter
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Keywords
polyvictimization, diagnosis, treatment, child abuse
Citation
Grasso, D., Greene, C., & Ford, J.D. Cumulative Trauma in Childhood. In J. D. Ford & C. A. Courtois (Eds.), Treating complex traumatic stress disorders in children and adolescents: An evidence based guide. New York: Guilford Press (at press)