Child Development and Trauma Flashcards
6 cards from real CWEL practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Child Development and Trauma flashcards as text
According to developmental research, which period of life is considered most critical for brain development and has the greatest sensitivity to the effects of abuse and neglect?
Answer: Early childhood (ages 0-5)
Early childhood, especially the first three years of life, is the most sensitive period for brain development; abuse and neglect during this time can have the most profound and lasting effects.
What is the concept of 'attachment' and why is it important in child welfare practice?
Answer: The emotional bond between a child and caregiver that forms the foundation for healthy social and emotional development
Attachment is the deep emotional bond between child and caregiver; secure attachment promotes healthy brain development, emotion regulation, and social relationships, while disrupted attachment creates lasting vulnerability.
Which category of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) is directly related to child welfare involvement?
Answer: Physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, domestic violence, parental substance abuse, and household dysfunction
The ACE study identified abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), neglect (physical, emotional), and household dysfunction (domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness, incarceration, divorce) as the core adverse experiences.
A 4-year-old child who has experienced chronic neglect may exhibit which behavior that could be misinterpreted as defiance or developmental disability?
Answer: Both seeking excessive attention and difficulty with transitions and emotional regulation
Children with histories of neglect often display indiscriminate attachment (seeking comfort from strangers), difficulty with transitions, and poor emotional regulation—behaviors rooted in trauma, not defiance.
What does 'toxic stress' mean in the context of child development and child welfare?
Answer: Prolonged activation of the stress response system in the absence of protective adult buffering, causing lasting damage to brain architecture
Toxic stress results when a child experiences strong, frequent, or prolonged adversity without adult buffering, causing chronic activation of stress hormones that damage developing brain architecture.
According to developmental research, which factor is MOST protective against the negative effects of childhood adversity?
Answer: The presence of at least one stable, caring, responsive adult relationship
Research consistently shows that the most powerful buffer against childhood adversity is the presence of at least one stable, nurturing adult who can help the child develop resilience.