Past trauma, whether it be abuse, neglect or exposure to violence, can have profound and lasting effects on individuals across various domains of life. One such domain often significantly impacted, is academic success.

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing or a disturbing event that overwhelms the ability to cope. Trauma is subjective- a traumatic experience for one person may not be traumatic for others, but that does not mean it is less real for the person who is traumatised.

School should be a place where every child has a chance to learn and grow, but for some kids, past trauma can make learning very tough. In this article, we’ll explore how traumatic experiences that happened in the past, affect performance in school.

People of all ages experience trauma, but it has a particularly long-lasting impact on children as their brain is still developing. Often, children and adolescents don’t have necessary coping skills to manage the impact of stressful events on their own or the language to explain their feelings.

There are three main types of trauma: 

Understanding how past trauma affects learning:

Imagine if you had a backpack filled with heavy rocks that you had to carry around all day. That is what it’s like for kids who have been through traumatic experiences in the past. Past trauma like being in a scary accident, loosing someone you love or being hurt by someone, can leave emotional scars that make it hard to focus and learn in school.

One way past trauma affects learning, is through inattention. Imagine trying to listen to your teacher when your mind is stuck on something scary or sad that happened to you before. Past trauma can also make it harder for kids to remember things, as a result of the preoccupation.

Past trauma can also make kids feel sad, scared, angry and emotionally volatile which can make it tough to get along with peers and teachers. It might make them not want to go to school at all.

Effects of trauma on cognitive functioning:

One of the primary ways trauma influences academic success is through its effects on cognitive functioning. Students have shown that exposure to trauma can impair memory, attention, and executive functions making it challenging for individuals to concentrate and retain information in academic settings. This cognitive load can hinder learning and academic performance, leading to difficulties in comprehending instructions, completing assignments and performing well in exams.

Psychological and emotional impact:

In addition to cognitive effect, past trauma often leads individuals grappling with profound psychological and emotional challenges. Symptoms of trauma such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) can interfere with students’ ability to engage in the learning process effectively. The fear and emotional dysregulation commonly associated with trauma can create barriers in building secure relationships with peers and teachers, participating in classroom activities, and seeking help when needed.

Impact on academic behaviour:

Trauma can also manifest in behaviour patterns that undermines academic success. Students who have experienced trauma may exhibit disruptive behaviour such as aggression, defiance or withdrawal, as coping mechanisms to protect themselves from perceived threats. These behaviours not only disrupt their own learning but also disrupt the learning environment for their peers. Furthermore, trauma can contribute to academic disengagement, absenteeism and high dropout rates, perpetuating a cycle of academic underachievement and disconnection from educational opportunities.

Social and interpersonal challenges:

Beyond the academic realm, trauma can have profound implications on social and interpersonal relationships, which are critical for academic success. Individuals who have experienced trauma may struggle with trust, intimacy and forming secure attachments, making it difficult for them to develop supportive relationships. This social isolation can exacerbate feelings of alienation and inadequacy, further impeding their academic progress.

How past trauma shows up in school:

Kids who’ve been through past trauma might act in different ways at school, that are subjective to the experience of their trauma. Some quiet and shy while others might act out or get in trouble. They might have a hard time sitting still in class or focusing on their work. Past trauma can also be tough for kids to make friends or feel like they belong at school. Some children might even start skipping school or hanging out with the wrong crowd to cope up with their feelings.

Other signs to look out for are:

Helping kids succeed despite past trauma:

Supporting kids who have experienced past trauma in succeeding academically, requires a multifaceted approach:

By implementing these strategies and creating a nurturing and empowering educational environment, we can help trauma-affected children thrive academically and unlock their full potential.

In conclusion, the impact of past trauma on academic success is undeniable, as it pervades various aspects of a child’s cognitive, emotional, behavioural and social development. Trauma creates significant barriers to learning, making it challenging for children to concentrate, engage and succeed in school. However by adopting a trauma-informed approach and implementing targeted interventions, we can create environments that support the healing and academic growth of trauma-affected children. Through collaborative efforts between educators, mental health professionals, families and communities we can foster resilience, build trust and empower children to overcome diversity and achieve their full potential. By prioritising the well-being and academic success of every child, we can create a future where all students grow, regardless of their past experiences.

By Samia Faisal Khan (Intern at Talk Therapy Clinic)

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