How Might schools perpetuate the cycle of trauma?
Punishment and discipline may result in re-traumatization by potentially reenacting earlier traumas (Streeck-Fisher & van der Kolk, 2000).
Punishment is not effective in changing behavior, thus increasing the possibility that these students receive further punishment or exclusionary discipline (McInerney & McKlindon, 2014).
Now that we have established what trauma, ACEs, and toxic stress look like and how these experiences impact the brain and behavior, let's examine the school role in working with students exposed to these events.
Trauma, ACEs, and Toxic Stress
Negative effects on the brain and stress response system
Behavior/Learning Problems
Punishment
Because students who have been exposed to traumatic events have difficulty with self-regulation and managing their affect, school staff may become frustrated with student behavior and respond by imposing punishment. (Streeck-Fisher & van der Kolk, 2000).
Graphic adapted from McInerney & McKlindon (2014)
Interrupting the cycle of trauma
Watch below to see how exercising patience and understanding creates a safe place for students to heal and grow.
Visit the Becoming Trauma-Informed page for tips on how to begin implementing these practices in your school.
All Videos
All Videos
The Trauma Informed Approach
The Student and Staff Relationship
