KUALA LUMPUR - Parents are advised not to overlook any unwelcome incidents, such as a child witnessing intimate moments between spouses, as these experiences can significantly impact the child's development.
Noor Suraya Muhamad, Psychological Counseling Unit head at Tuanku Ja'afar Hospital in Seremban, said children's ability to recall events from ages zero to seven, is not a myth as this period forms a blueprint in a child's development.
According to her, children's observations of their parents will influence their reactions and responses in terms of thinking, behavior and emotions.
"From a psychological perspective, adverse childhood experiences (ACE) occur when the effects are prolonged or when intense emotional feelings overwhelm, suppressing the person's emotions. This can lead to long-term side effects on the individual.
"Such experiences could lead to long-term effects like flashbacks, persistent thoughts, depression and emotional disturbances, which have lasting impacts on a child's development, affecting various aspects of their life including their thinking, social skills and behavior," she said
She said this during an exclusive interview on 'Apa Khabar Malaysia' on Bernama TV, focusing on the topic of Childhood Trauma, which aired recently.
Suraya highlighted that trauma, known as 'Systemic Trauma' in psychological terms, can arise when neglected children lack basic needs like shelter, food and clothing due to poverty.
"In my experience with abandoned or homeless children, they often feel restless at night. They anticipate waking up to uncertainty about food for the day, causing extreme and repeated anxiety. This leads to difficulty sleeping and a life overshadowed by disappointment, often overlooked and dismissed.
"This is because they feel hungry every day, putting unnecessary pressure and stress on the children. As adults, it's our responsibility to provide them with protection," she added.
She explained that when children lack basic needs, stress triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that disrupts brain development, affecting cognitive, emotional, social and physical growth.
As a result, these children may grow up without love, lacking parental guidance and basic necessities, leading to aggressive behaviors such as stealing, violence and using abusive language.
Suraya said the term "trauma" originates from a Greek word meaning "wound" or "to wound," referring to the psychological impact of situations individuals face.
She noted that psychologist Dr Richard Bentall's research confirms the connection between childhood trauma and adult physical and mental illnesses, likening it to the established link between smoking and lung cancer.
She emphasised the importance of parents being aware of trauma, understanding their children's emotions, showing empathy and avoiding passing on troubled emotions, adding that parents should also observe any significant behavioral changes in their children.
"Trauma is like a persistent toxin in the body, but with proper treatment, we can learn to manage it effectively.
"Treatment options for child trauma include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), incorporating talk therapy, play therapy, family therapy and expressive therapy," she said. - BERNAMA