In this three-part essay series, we’re going to explore exactly what common childhood trauma adaptations are, why and how they can be like superpowers (not only when we’re children but also when we’re adults), why and how these adaptations can also be like proverbial Kryptonite, how to discern the difference, and what to do if we’re aware that our own childhood trauma adaptations have become a proverbial form of Kryptonite in our adult lives.
Childhood trauma adaptations are an attempt to cope.
Childhood trauma, as I’ve written about extensively, has the potential to negatively shape a child’s development.
Experiences of trauma, such as abuse or neglect, disrupt normal developmental trajectories, forcing children to develop coping mechanisms that help them cope with painful experiences.
These attempts are essentially survival strategies.
And these attempts fall into two buckets: cognitive and behavioral adaptations (meaning the thoughts and behaviors that form as survival attempts).
Cognitive adaptations involve changes in perception, belief systems, and thought processes that aim to protect the child from emotional pain or to rationalize or make sense of their experiences.
Behavioral adaptations are actions or reactions the child develops to avoid harm, manage stress, or navigate complex social environments (at home, at school, at church, etc).
Let’s explore more about what common childhood trauma cognitive and behavioral adaptations are. So you can, perhaps, begin to see yourself and your own personal history more clearly.
Common childhood trauma cognitive and behavioral adaptations include:
Hyper-vigilance
Characterized by an “always-on alertness” to danger (be it real or perceived), this adaptation stems from the body’s fight-or-flight response. This becomes heightened in those of us who’ve experienced trauma. The cognitive belief that danger is omnipresent, prompts behaviors such as constantly scanning for threats, leading to chronic stress and anxiety.
- Cognitive Example: “I need to be aware of everything around me at all times. Any small sound could mean danger.”
- Behavioral Example: Constantly scanning rooms for exits or threats, jumping at slight noises or movements. This heightened state of alertness is a direct response to fearing unseen dangers.
People-pleasing
This is rooted in attachment theory in environments characterized by abuse or neglect. This suggests that early relationships with caregivers shape an individual’s beliefs about self and others. Children might learn to prioritize others’ needs over their own. They believe their safety and worth are contingent upon the approval of others.
