HSE-315 7-3 Final Project.docx - Margaret Cox HSE-315...

Margaret Cox
HSE-315
Southern New Hampshire University

Trauma can impact individuals in a variety of ways including the short-term impacts
compared to the long-term ones. When looking at how trauma can develop including age, current
stage of development, access and availability of resources, cultural background/race, familial
problems, and previous trauma exposure (APA, 2019). In this specific case, Eloni is a 13-year
old with previous trauma stemming from abuse from his step-father. Eloni began acting out and
showing negative changes in behavior which is a common occurrence among trauma victims
(The National Child Traumatic Stress Network, 2018). Changes in behavior are one of the most
common short-term impacts of trauma but other impacts can include declines in health resulting
in chronic issues such as stomach and headaches, mental impacts including anxiety, depression,
anger, and overall social problems especially in school for younger children (APA, 2019).
Long-term impacts of trauma can lead to developments of major issues further on in life
especially in regards to mental and physical health. Long-term impacts of trauma can “set the
stage for increased vulnerability to physical, mental, and substance abuse disorders and enhance
the risk for repeated trauma exposure across the lifespan” (SAMHSA, 2014). Many victims of
trauma develop health issues that become chronic including stomach issues as well as headaches.
Studies have also shown high links between trauma victims and developments of substance
abuse disorders. These alone cause a myriad of health issues both physically and mentally and
only further derail the healing process (SAMHSA, 2014). Eloni was put as risk for experiencing
physical issues following the abuse he was subjected to by his stepfather and he now puts his
brother in the same position by abusing him as well. Both brothers experience with abuse also
puts them at risk and raises the likelihood of them developing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
(PTSD) which has lasting affects on individuals (Ludy-Dobson & Perry, 2010).

The long-term and short-term affects that an individual experiences following a trauma
both have affects on the mental and physical well-being of the victim. While short-term impacts
are often acute and diminish over time, long-term impacts can cause serious issues that alter the
lifestyle of the individual. The long-term affects of Eloni's abuse will be much harder to treat and
are likely to be present for the rest of his life while his short-term affects can more than likely be
managed and the behaviors can be reversed.
The way our body and mind reacts to a trauma often manifests in emotional distress and
physical symptoms (APA, 2008). Both long and short-term impacts of trauma lead to physical
and mental impacts on the individual as well as the family. Many victims of trauma are able to
recover and return back to a similar state of being mentally and emotionally as they were before
their trauma (APA, 2008).