The American Psychology Association defines "trauma" as "an emotional response to terrible events, " often resulting in lasting mental and physical effects. Childhood trauma (CPTSD or Complex PTSD) can occur when a child witnesses or experiences overwhelming negative events. Even if you don't exactly remember your childhood trauma, it still leaves an impact on you. So can childhood trauma affect your life as an adult? The answer is yes. Watch this video to find out more.

We also made another video on how your childhood trauma shapes your personality: https://youtu.be/tUpkNQVbcOI

Researcher/ Writer: Linh
Script Editor: Rida Batool & Stela Kosic
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
Voice Over: Amanda Silvera (www.youtube.com/amandasilvera)
Animator: Gabriele @gabibisdesigner
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References:

Felitti, V. J. (2002). The relation between adverse childhood experiences and adult health: Turning gold into lead. The Permanente Journal, 6(1), 44.

Kirk, M. (2017, Dec 12). HOW CHILDHOOD TRAUMA ADVERSELY AFFECTS DECISION-MAKING. Pacific Standard. psmag.com/social-justice/childhood-trauma-adversely-affects-decision-making

Lebow, H. (2021, Jun 10). How Childhood Trauma May Affect Adult Relationships. PsychCentral. psychcentral.com/blog/how-childhood-trauma-affects-adult-relationships

Kvarnstrom, E. (2018, Feb 8). How the Trauma of Childhood Abuse Affects Interpersonal Relationships, and How to Begin Healing. Bridges to Recovery. www.bridgestorecovery.com/blog/trauma-childhood-abuse-affects-interpersonal-relationships-begin-healing/

Blue Knot. (2021). What is Childhood Trauma?. blueknot.org.au/resources/understanding-trauma-and-abuse/what-is-childhood-trauma/

Starecheski, L. (2015, Mar 2). Take The ACE Quiz — And Learn What It Does And Doesn't Mean. NPR. www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/03/02/387007941/take-the-ace-quiz-and-learn-what-it-does-and-doesnt-mean

American Psychology Association. (2021). Trauma. www.apa.org/topics/trauma#:~:text=Trauma%20is%20an%20emotional%20response,symptoms%20like%20headaches%20or%20nausea.