Anatomy of Trauma

Chapter 2 provides foundational knowledge about trauma and adversity during childhood, outlining the nature, range, prevalence, and impact of potentially traumatic and highly distressing events. This chapter differentiates between the body’s response to a single incident of distress and the longer-term manifestations of trauma. Providing recent research about the physiological, psychological, and cognitive impacts resulting from trauma, this chapter outlines the extensive range of challenges that children may face and overcome in a school setting. This chapter explores how trauma responses can persist for children and young people, even when they are provided safe and supportive environments. This chapter’s expansive evidence offers educators, practitioners, and policymakers a deep understanding of trauma and distress which will broaden knowledge to enable the implementation of sustainable trauma-informed approaches within school settings. This chapter concludes with recommendations for school-wide, sector, and curriculum changes needed to prevent and respond to trauma and distress more effectively.