Abstract:

Mental trauma has become widely acknowledged as a significant element in developing psychopathology in children and adolescents in recent years. Health issues associated with mental trauma in children and adolescents have been researched in the worldwide literature. Simultaneously, the risks of exposing children and adolescents to traumatic experiences such as wars, natural catastrophes, and physical or sexual abuse are widely recognized globally, as are the devastating implications of this exposure on their mental function and equilibrium.

Numerous studies indicate that dysfunctional/inappropriate and direct or indirect or aggressive parenting practices, on a physical or psychological level, and all types of "child abuse" in general, contribute to various developmental, emotional, and cognitive issues. These techniques trap children in a vicious cycle of negative behavioral patterns and affective responses, which has a long-term adverse impact on their mental health and psychosocial development thus impairing their ability to learn. The development of psychometric tools for detecting and identifying mental trauma and post-traumatic symptoms greatly facilitates their documentation. In addition, it strengthens the therapeutic relationship between health clinics (primary care physicians), teachers and children and adolescents who have experienced or are experiencing mental trauma.

This study aims to assess, using a systematic review technique, the research on developmental trauma in children or adolescents and its effect on neurocognitive function and their future ability to learn as young adults. The review of the papers in this study was conducted using worldwide research databases such as Scopus, PsycINFO, Pubmed, and Elsevier, and their elaboration occurred throughout the previous decade. The findings of this study may be useful to members of the educational and medical communities who provide primary health care to children and adolescents who have experienced developmental trauma and mental health professionals who provide support services for the inclusion of more effective therapeutic strategies.

Keywords:

Developmental Trauma, Neurocognition, Emotional Development, Behavioral Patterns, Psychometric Tools, Education, Learning.