The effects of trauma and crisis on nuclear and non-nuclear families with young children and adolescents are diverse due to the different experiences of the families involved. The effects of trauma and crisis are more prevalent among nuclear families than non-nuclear ones due to the connections and relationships between the family members (Goff et al., 2020). For instance, a child experiencing domestic violence from their parents experiences more trauma than when they experience it in their close relative’s house. A study by Ozamiz-Etxebarria et al. (2023) reveals that nuclear children experience more traumatic events in nuclear families. This factor indicates that trauma and crisis occur primarily in families with close relations.
A variety of events can trigger a state of crisis or trauma. For instance, natural disasters, the unexpected death of a loved one, domestic violence, economic hardship, parents divorcing, or bullying can put children in a depressive state (García-Carrión et al.,2019). Parents in nuclear families may be more likely to take on the role of primary caregiver, which often leads to a stronger bond between the parents and their children. The closeness of a child and parent may make them more susceptible to the after-effects of trauma or crisis.
The factors influencing crisis or trauma revolve around the environment and the support system of a child. Contributing factors to trauma include poor social support, communication, and cultural beliefs. Neglectful parents can fail to address issues within the family, causing the child to become traumatized (Goff et al., 2020). Other factors, including a culture that supports stoicism, can cause the child to experience crisis and trauma, considering that unresolved issues affect their well-being (Goff et al., 2020). In all these situations, the impact of faith (Christianity) on nuclear and non-nuclear families cannot be ignored since it promotes a sense of support and cohesion, which helps deal with distress in families.
References
Ozamiz-Etxebarria, N., Legorburu Fernandez, I., Idoiaga-Mondragon, N., Olaya, B., Cornelius-White, J. H., & Santabárbara, J. (2023). Post-traumatic stress in children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis and intervention approaches to ensure mental health and well-being. Sustainability, 15(6), 5272. Web.
García-Carrión, R., Villarejo-Carballido, B., & Villardón-Gallego, L. (2019). Children and adolescents’ mental health: a systematic review of interaction-based interventions in schools and communities. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 918. Web.
Goff, B. S. N., Ruhlmann, L. M., Dekel, R., & Huxman, S. A. (2020). Trauma, post-traumatic stress, and family systems. The Handbook of Systemic Family Therapy, 4, 267-296. Web.