Defining Trauma

Let’s read the short excerpt from Brunzell et al (2016) on pages 219-220 entitled Trauma affected students. (Note that in many readings we are pointing to studies surrounding childhood trauma as these are the moments that affect the upbringing and development of the people we work with). Trauma can and does happen at any point in life. What we are discovering is that how we cope with trauma often relates back to our early childhood experiences, styles of attachment and relationships.

As we read, let's think about the following discussion questions and be prepared to discuss ...

• What is trauma? 
• Do you agree with the explanation given in this excerpt? 
• Is it too narrow or wide of a scope?
• How does trauma affect someone’s education according to the author?   
• Does this ring true to your experience?
• Would anyone like to share something about their own experience with trauma?

Required Reading:

Read the Brunzell et al (2026) exert below, pages 219-220.