Emotional Imprints (aka Trauma)
Negative childhood experiences (trauma) lead to specific beliefs (I am unlovable), and to find ways of coping. These coping tools can evolve from stealing sips of beer to alcoholism as an adult, or from seeing a playboy magazine to infidelity as an adult. The evolution in childhood progresses from trauma, to need for relief, to beliefs that stay with us and lead to progressively destructive coping mechanisms. Trauma can have profound and lasting effects on an adult's self-esteem and emotional regulation. The impact of trauma varies greatly among individuals, depending on factors such as the nature of the trauma, the individual's past experiences, their psychological makeup, and the support systems available to them. Here are some ways trauma can affect self-esteem and emotional regulation in adults:
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