3.2 The Early Impact of Childhood Racial Trauma: A Developmental Perspective

Black youth are at greater risk of experiencing higher adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) than their White peers. Despite this elevated vulnerability that is associated with an increased risk of PTSD, mood disorders, and suicide, Black children are less likely to be screened or treated for mental illness and more likely to be disproportionately disciplined and their behavior criminalized. Participants will: 1) recognize the psychological impact of ACEs in Black youth; 2) understand how and why racism is considered an ACE; 3) identify how racial trauma impacts brain development of Black youth; 4) identify the different types of discrimination and racism that could lead to a trauma response; and 5) identify the similarities between PTSD and racial trauma.
Source: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research