Impact of Early Relational Trauma on Psychic Processes: Implications for Treatment of vulnerable Children and Families

Abstract

ABSTRACT Numerous works and clinical research conducted in various institutions have cast fresh light on the notion of trauma and have contributed to the emergence of the concept of early relational trauma. Early relational trauma is a form of trauma rendered complex by the multiplicity of its sources and its modes of expression. Its main features are often attachment and acting-out disturbances. In families where such trauma occurs, links could sometimes be perverted and form a narcissistic configuration. This mode of functioning, organized around negativity, impacts the plurality of psychic processes and interferes with the treatment approaches of multidisciplinary teams. In order to promote a multifocal approach to care tailored to differences in situations, educational and socio-judicial practitioners.

Keywords

• Early relational trauma
• attachment
• intersubjectivity
• play model
• mediation
• mentalization