Complex Trauma from Child Abuse and Neglect “I’m not Sure We’re even All Talking about the Same Thing and We’re Probably Not”:

Rationale

Trauma from child abuse and neglect requires specialised assessment and intervention, especially for those experiencing complex trauma. Unfortunately, what constitutes complex trauma is contentious, alongside growing criticisms of diagnostic categories and labels. Recent literature critiques the symptom clusters and diagnostic categories/labels approach compared to focusing on the concrete impacts and functional nature of behavioural responses to trauma in context.

Aims

This research aimed to assess the conceptual maturity of complex trauma for children and young people who have experienced abuse and neglect by discussing the concept with Australian experts. The research aimed to conceptualise complex trauma through a dimensional lens and impacts-based approach. The overall aim was to increase understanding of the development and maintenance of complex trauma and its distinctiveness from other types of trauma.

Method

Group interviews were conducted, and reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. A member-checking survey helped review and improve the findings.

Results

Findings suggest a vast array of impacts from complex trauma, that diagnostic boxes may not be right for complex trauma, and that the potentially chaotic cycle of complex trauma perpetuates issues. Results from this pilot indicate that complex trauma may be an immature concept for expert clinicians and researchers alike.

Conclusions

Despite assessing complex trauma as an emerging or even immature concept, the discussion generates direction forward and suggests further research avenues. Associated ideas and emerging concepts begin a conceptual discussion of complex trauma.