The Psychological Effects of Traumas on Children

SUMMARY. There is growing evidence to demonstrate that children involved in traumatic events suffer prolonged and significant psychological distress although adults have been found to consistently deny, underrate, or fail to recognise their seventy. The significant psychological impact of a road traffic accident upon seven adolescents is described and issues regarding their management that contributed to their distress detailed. Implications for adults and services that have contact with child trauma victims are discussed.