2. 7 Effects of trauma
According to Digest (2002), it may not be readily apparent
that a learner is experiencing the effect of trauma. Instead, such
manifestations as missing class, avoiding tests, spacing about, and having what
may be interpreted as inappropriate or extreme reaction to class discussions or
activities may actually be responses to trauma. It is true that learning may be
impeded by fear, anxiety, poor concentration, and the enormous energy involved
in hiding abuse effects on learning are shaped by education discourses (Horsman
1997, 200b; Isserlis 2001 cited by digest 2002). A deficit perspective suggests
that the learner, not the social system, must change. A medicalizing discourses
emphasizes that getting over trauma must take place before learning is
possible. Discourses of educational practice may view dropping out, stopping
out, or spacing out/ dissociating as lack of motivation or persistence rather
than survival mechanisms. Discourses focused on outcomes and accountability
fail to recognize the complex issue facing learners that may interfere with
achievement or program completions.
Unrecognized trauma can create lasting difficulties in an
individual's life. One way to determine whether an emotional or psychological
trauma has occurred, perhaps even early in life before language or conscious
awareness were in place, is to look at the kinds of recurring problems one
might be experiencing. These can serve as clues to an earlier situation that
caused a dysregulation in the structure or function of the brain.
2. 7. 1 Common personal and behavioral effects of
trauma:
- Substance abuse
- Compulsive behavior patterns
- Self-destructive and impulsive behavior
- Uncontrollable reactive thoughts
- Inability to make healthy professional or lifestyle choices -
Dissociative symptoms ("splitting off" parts of the self)
- Feelings of inFrequencyness, shame, despair, hopelessness -
Feeling permanently damaged
- A loss of previously sustained beliefs
2. 7. 2 Common effects of trauma on interpersonal
relationships:
- Inability to maintain close relationships or choose appropriate
friends and mates - Sexual problems
- Hostility
- Arguments with family members, employers or co-workers
- Social withdrawal
- Feeling constantly threatened
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