.png)
Childhood trauma can significantly affect an individual's emotional and psychological well-being, frequently resulting in emotional dysregulation in later life. Childhood trauma encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, along with instances of physical or emotional neglect. Such early traumatic experiences significantly influence an individual's social, emotional, and cognitive growth, as children adapt their emotional understanding based on their social interactions.
Childhood trauma can hinder emotional recognition, resulting in challenges in anticipating the outcomes of specific behaviours, comprehending personal emotions, and cultivating empathy and social abilities. Research has established a connection between childhood trauma and emotional dysregulation, which can alter sensory thresholds. This disruption may result in diminished effectiveness in regulating, processing, and recognizing emotions, potentially leading to changes in the neural and attentional systems involved.
Understanding Neurobiology
Developmental factors that enhance emotional regulation in children as they mature include the development of language skills, which facilitate the understanding and expression of emotions, as well as the growth of various cognitive functions, particularly the attentional system. Adverse experiences in early life can alter the sensitivity of the limbic system or modify the cognitive and perceptual evaluations associated with perceived threats.
The amygdala, ventral striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, and periaqueductal grey have been recognized as regions showing multiple activations. The development of neural and neuroendocrine arousal systems linked to emotions during childhood and adolescence may account for the observed reduction in emotional lability and the enhancement of self-control during this formative stage of growth.
The amygdala plays a crucial role in transmitting signals to the body's threat response system. In situations where caregivers do not provide support to help manage perceived threats, or when the caregiver themselves is a source of stress, children may experience a persistent state of affective dysregulation. Consequently, these children may start to interpret neutral or even positive stimuli as threats, triggering their threat response system.
Recent neuroimaging studies have revealed distinct patterns of brain activity, separate from the traditional fear and stress circuits, that may play a role in emotional regulation and dysregulation in conditions such as PTSD and other psychiatric disorders. This network, referred to as the 'default mode network,' is activated when attention shifts from external stimuli and goal-oriented actions to self-referential thinking.
Home Environment & Emotional Regulation
Emotion regulation encompasses a range of interconnected psychological and physiological processes that enable individuals to adjust their emotions, behaviours, and bodily responses in reaction to emotionally charged events. Difficulties in emotion regulation can result in challenges in managing negative emotions, which can hinder overall functioning and impact one’s ability to work effectively, relate to others, and find enjoyment in life.
In environments that lack support, such as those involving childhood abuse, children may not receive adequate exposure to healthy emotional labelling, expression, and regulation behaviours typically demonstrated by their primary caregivers. Positive emotional and social development in children is often linked to parental responsiveness and the encouragement of emotional expression.
Conversely, growing up in an environment that invalidates emotional expression—where such expressions are ignored, rejected, or punished—can contribute to difficulties in regulating emotions. Furthermore, individuals who struggle with significant emotional dysregulation may face the risk of experiencing re-traumatization in their adult lives.
Childhood maltreatment & Emotional Dysregulation
Emotional regulation is believed to develop through responsive caregiving and peer interactions during early childhood. Caregivers fulfil essential survival needs for their children, and these interactions are crucial for fostering bodily self-regulation. In cases of childhood maltreatment, particularly when trauma is recurrent, the development of appropriate emotional regulation and interpersonal skills can be severely hindered.
Children who have faced neglect often struggle to comprehend negative emotions such as anger and sadness, resulting in fewer effective emotional regulation strategies. Maltreated children, regardless of whether they have experienced sexual trauma or neglect, typically exhibit delays or deficits in both understanding and managing their emotions, often anticipating negative responses when expressing sadness or anger.
These children tend to have disorganised and negative internal representations of their caregivers, leading to challenges with emotional dysregulation, increased aggression, and diminished social competence, which can result in peer rejection. Furthermore, emotional dysregulation and other impaired self-capacities in adults have been linked to experiences of emotional abuse and a lack of emotional support during childhood.
Attachment & Regulation capabilities
Secure parental attachment plays a vital role in the healthy development of children and can mitigate negative mental health outcomes. The formation of attachment styles occurs during early interactions with caregivers and is reinforced through subsequent relationships in adulthood. Research in developmental neurobiology indicates that an individual's resilience is largely influenced by their early attachment experiences, particularly in terms of self-regulation abilities.
.jpeg)
Early attachment experiences can affect a child's internal emotional regulation and their capacity for co-regulation, leading to fluctuations between dependence on others for emotional support and feelings of inadequacy in managing their own emotional states. This can result in significant challenges in social interactions. Children develop an understanding of their internal emotional states when they have a responsive caregiver who mirrors, explains, and engages with them effectively.
Negative effects of Emotional Dysregulation
Experiencing traumatic events can trigger enduring negative emotions that are challenging for individuals to cope with, often resulting in the use of substances as a form of self-medication. For those lacking effective emotional regulation techniques to handle intense negative feelings, substance use may emerge as a maladaptive coping strategy that is frequently employed in response to these emotions. Furthermore, the likelihood of substance use may increase when individuals have encountered multiple traumatic experiences.
Experiencing traumatic events and exposure to violence within the family and surrounding environment can significantly influence externalising behaviors.Behaviors such as aggression, inattention, and substance use have been linked to exposure to violence. Children may develop ineffective coping mechanisms and communication styles, such as aggression or outbursts, which can lead to disruptive externalising behaviours. Additionally, these children may struggle to manage their emotional responses related to anger, making it challenging for them to remain still, concentrate, or maintain focus.
Childhood maltreatment is a significant risk factor that has garnered substantial focus concerning non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Various potential mediators exist between childhood maltreatment and NSSI, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, self-criticism, anxiety and depressive symptoms, self-blame, alexithymia, dissociation, and challenges in emotional regulation. Dysregulation of emotions has been recognized as a fundamental mechanism contributing to both the onset and persistence of NSSI.
Building Emotional Regulation Capacity
The significant occurrence of trauma and anxiety among children has led to a rise in the number of those facing challenges with self-regulation. Self-regulation refers to the ability to manage one's attention and emotions effectively. When a child is experiencing dysregulation, they frequently find it difficult to focus, control their actions, and handle their emotional responses. Self- regulation can be done through following approaches –
Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices can lead to significant changes in cognitive and emotional functioning, particularly in enhancing self-awareness of negative feelings to promote positive actions. By teaching children various breathing techniques, they learn to take a moment to recognize their emotions and respond appropriately. These techniques encompass breath-work, meditation, relaxation exercises, guided imagery, yoga, body scans, and more.
Yoga combines physical movement with breath awareness, aiming to foster a connection between mind and body. Movement-based practices emphasise the importance of attuning to bodily sensations, aiding children in developing self-regulation and encouraging prosocial behaviours.
Breathing techniques have demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating stress and anxiety. Diaphragmatic breathing, in particular, stimulates parasympathetic recovery and lowers cortisol levels. This deep breathing method can activate the "rest and digest" response of the central nervous system, even in the absence of prior sympathetic activation.
Attunement with body
The capacity to improve mind-body awareness arises from linking thoughts and emotions to one's physical condition. A stronger connection facilitates the ability to interpret the body's signals conveyed through physical symptoms. As individuals engage in the practice of attuning to their bodies, they become increasingly adept at responding and collaborating with their physical selves, ultimately fostering a sense of inner tranquillity.
Somatics
Recognizing the emotions that surface and their physical manifestations enhances emotional regulation and fosters self-awareness. The body retains trauma memories, and the signals it sends can profoundly influence mental processes. Given this relationship, individuals who have experienced trauma must initially develop a sense of physical awareness by tuning into bodily sensations. This step is crucial for integrating the connections among the mind, brain, and body, ultimately aiding in the regulation of arousal and emotional states.
Conclusion
Emotional dysregulation stemming from childhood trauma can significantly impact an individual's overall well-being, interpersonal relationships, and daily functioning. It is essential to identify the symptoms, comprehend the various forms of emotional dysregulation, and pursue suitable treatment to address unresolved traumatic experiences and develop effective regulation strategies.
Rocket Health India provides a variety of online therapy services specifically designed for those experiencing emotional dysregulation. If you or someone you care about is facing challenges related to emotional dysregulation due to past trauma, consider contacting Rocket Health India. Begin your journey to healing today by scheduling an online therapy session with Rocket Health India.
References
Andersson, H., Aspeqvist, E., Dahlström, Ö., Svedin, C.G., Jonsson, L.S., Landberg, Å., and Zetterqvist, M. (2022). Emotional Dysregulation and Trauma Symptoms Mediate the Relationship Between Childhood Abuse and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents. Front. Psychiatry 13:897081. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.897081. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9366744/
Dvir, Y., Ford, J.D., Hill, M., & Frazier, J.A. (2014). Childhood maltreatment, emotional dysregulation, and psychiatric comorbidities. Harv Rev Psychiatry; doi: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000014. PMID: 24704784; PMCID: PMC4091823. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4091823/
Gallo, L.L., & Kemp, K. (2023). Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Addressing Trauma, Anxiety, and Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Literature Review. Journal of Counselor Practice, 14(1):1–27. https://www.journalofcounselorpractice.com/uploads/6/8/9/4/68949193/
La Barrie, D. & Zegarac, M. & Mekawi, Y. & Kuzyk, E. & Stenson, A. & Jovanovic, T. & Bradley, B. & Lott, A. (2022). The Role of Specific Emotion Dysregulation Facets in the Association Between Child Violence Exposure and Psychopathology. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy. 16. 10.1037/tra0001265. https://awspntest.apa.org/manuscript/2022-65162-001.pdf
.jpg)
.jpg)