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Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event

(From The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. http://www.NCTSN.org)

No one should be overzealous in seeing normal variations in individuals’ behavior as problems. At the same
time, school staff will not want to ignore indicators of significant problems. The following are meant only to
sensitize responsible professionals.

In some cases, maladaptive coping may arise due to particular pre-existing vulnerabilities and/or particular
impact of crisis exposure (see Checklist for Determining Levels of Risk for Psychological Trauma). A referral to
a mental health professional (either in the school or in the community) is warranted if either:

• crisis reactions do not decrease after several weeks, OR


• crisis reactions interfere with daily functioning.

Frequent reactions among preschool and young school-aged children

Fear of continued danger Helplessness


Difficulty sleeping Separation anxiety
Regression in speech or self-care skills Acting out traumatic events

Frequent reactions among school-aged children

Persistent concern over their own safety or the safety of others


Guilt or shame over what they did or did not do during the traumatic event
Difficulty falling asleep, fear of sleeping alone, or frequent nightmares
Difficulty concentrating in school
Physical complaints, such as headaches or stomachaches
For some children, engaging in reckless or aggressive behavior

Frequent reactions among adolescents

Feeling self-conscious about their emotional responses to the traumatic event


Feelings of fear and vulnerability
Anger and other strong emotions
For some adolescents, engaging in reckless or aggressive behavior, including self-harm, or threatening harm
to self or others

Frequent reactions among adults

Changes in eating or sleeping habits Low energy


Unexplained aches or pains Feelings of helpless or hopelessness
Difficulty concentrating Feelings of anger and angry outbursts

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