Shame: A Missing Link to the Unraveling of Complex Trauma Reactions in Non-Western Communities

Abstract Complex trauma resulting from chronic maltreatment and prenatal alcohol exposure can significantly affect child development and academic outcomes. Children with histories of maltreatment and those with prenatal alcohol exposure exhibit remarkably similar central nervous system impairments. In this article, I will review the effects of each on the brain and discuss clinical implications for these populations of children.

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Rorschach Assessment of Complex Trauma in Youth

Rorschachiana Journal of the International Society for the Rorschach ◽

10.1027/1192-5604/a000122 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (1) ◽

pp. 19-41

Author(s):

David Ephraim

Keyword(s):

Psychological Assessment ◽

Complex Trauma ◽

Personality Development ◽

Traumatic Events ◽

History Of ◽

The Way

Abstract. A history of complex trauma or exposure to multiple traumatic events of an interpersonal nature, such as abuse, neglect, and/or major attachment disruptions, is unfortunately common in youth referred for psychological assessment. The way these adolescents approach the Rorschach task and thematic contents they provide often reflect how such experiences have deeply affected their personality development. This article proposes a shift in perspective in the interpretation of protocols of adolescents who suffered complex trauma with reference to two aspects: (a) the diagnostic relevance of avoidant or emotionally constricted Rorschach protocols that may otherwise appear of little use, and (b) the importance of danger-related thematic contents reflecting the youth’s sense of threat, harm, and vulnerability. Regarding this last aspect, the article reintroduces the Preoccupation with Danger Index ( DI). Two cases are presented to illustrate the approach.

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