The responses of young children after witnessing extreme life events

Abstract

South African children are exposed to high levels of trauma. With the overwhelming needs of direct victims, children who have witnessed traumatic events can be overlooked as a neglected and vulnerable client group. This article highlights the differential responses of children who have witnessed extreme events by addressing one objective of broader intervention research, namely, using a qualitative descriptive design to describe the responses of young children after witnessing extreme life events. The sensory effects of trauma, cognitive and emotional responses of 7 participants between five and ten years old are outlined. A group of 36 children who witnessed an extreme event outside their school were also included as participants. The findings indicate that the sensory experiences were overwhelming and often prompted disturbing emotions, thoughts, and behavioural responses. All participants engaged in post-traumatic play and retrospective intervention fantasies as expressed in words and play.