PSY376: Psychology of Trauma and Attachment

Amy is a 31-year-old single mother, raising her 9-year-old son, Jay. She currently works full-time, and has sole custody of Jay, who still sees his father occasionally.

Amy’s own childhood was marked by a volatile relationship between her parents. Her father had a history of alcohol dependence, often leading to arguments and occasionally physical abuse toward Amy and her mother. Once in her early teens, Amy ran away for a brief while, after which she struggled with substance abuse, and her relationship was marked by similar patterns of volatility and physical aggression between her and her partners.

Her son, Jay, has also exhibited aggressive behaviour at home and in school. He tends to act out when faced with frustration, rejects authority figures, and finds it difficult to build trust, intimacy, and socialise with his peers. He is also falling behind in his schoolwork. The school has given numerous warnings, and Amy feels deeply ashamed and worried. Amy’s relationship with her parents remains very tense. When Amy’s mother visits occasionally, they both end up in arguments. Amy’s father is not in contact with them.

Question 1(A)

(Word limit – 500)

From an attachment and neurobiological perspective of trauma, illustrate the impact adverse childhood experiences might have on Jay’s behaviours, and evaluate the relationship between Amy’s family history and his current functioning. (40 marks)

Question 1(B)

(Word limit – 500)

As a trauma-informed counsellor, you are preparing for your first session with Jay and his mother, Amy. Analyse what key information you wish to gather from Amy and Jay during intake. Apply trauma-informed principles when developing your intervention plan for Jay and Amy’s case. Consider factors such as physical environment, verbal behaviour, and emotional safety. (35 marks)

Question 2

(Word limit – 200)

Consider your role as a support person (e.g., a friend, family member, colleague, provider, etc.) and imagine you are assisting a child facing grief or trauma caused by loss of a loved one. Describe how you would show signs of trauma-sensitive care for his or her unique situation. Reflect and apply possible solutions that may help you overcome this challenge. (20 marks)

Psychology Assignment Answers: Expert Answers on Above Trauma Case Study

Impact of adverse childhood experiences on Jay

Childhood activities have a direct impact on a child and any kind of exposure to parental violence on negligence can disrupt a child’s sense of safety and attachment. In the given case of Amy, the abusive attitude of her alcoholic further has adversely affected her childhood to provide stable emotional attunement. From an emotional point of view, Jay may have developed an insecure attitude because of inconsistent care giving and emotional unpredictability. From a neurobiological perspective, the impact of chronic stress on early development leads to a sense of fear and weakens prefrontal cortex regulation, and contributes to problems in learning. The poor academic focus of Jay indicates difficulties in self regulation because of exposure to stress hormones such as cortisol.

Relationship link

The trauma faced by Amy would contribute towards intergenerational transmission if unresolved. The pattern shown by Amy is related to her mother and Jay’s perception of the relationship as unsafe and unpredictable. The behaviour of Jay clearly indicates the learned responses which directly affects his social and emotional functioning.

Intake and Trauma Informed intervention plan

Key information required: The key information required is in relation to Amy’s history such as parenting stress, emotional regulation and past interventions, Jay’s background such as developmental history, sleep and mood patterns, and exposure to conflict and copying methods.
Trauma informed approach: The approach that needs to be followed includes creating a safe environment, ensuring trust and transparency, empowerment, collaboration and a proper intervention plan by emphasizing on emotion based techniques, play therapy, parenting psychoeducation for Amy and building relational trust through supportive sessions.

Providing Trauma sensitive care to a child facing loss

The trauma sensitive care can be provided by creating a safe and calm presence, using age appropriate language, maintaining predictable routines, supporting creative expression, and by being patient and consistent. Self reflection is the best way to manage your own emotional reactions, and being empathetic. Children can be made emotionally secure by building trust through small positive interactions.

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