Types of Trauma

Trauma and traumatic events can happen in many different ways. Below are some definitions and examples of how trauma can happen.

Single Event:

• • This type of trauma only happens once. An example of this is a car accident.

Chronic Event:

• • This type of trauma is a series of events that happens over a period of time. An example of this is the COVID pandemic.

Developmental Trauma:

• • This type of trauma happens in early childhood. It is usually chronic. An example of this is having cancer and being in the hospital for many months at 5 years old.

Relational Trauma:

• • This type of trauma is caused by someone you have a relationship with. An example of this is being physically abused by a parent or caregiver.

Complex Trauma:

• • This is when someone has many different types of trauma events. An example of this is someone whose parents divorced when they were kids, saw a family member get into a bad car accident, and was physically abused by a caregiver when they were a teenager.

Intergenerational Trauma:

• • This is when trauma responses are passed down across generations by people who experienced a trauma. This can include a trauma that effects one individual, multiple family members, or an entire community. Examples of this are slavery and the Holocaust.

Specific examples of traumatic events include:

• • Natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, or tornados.
  • Accidents like car accidents or fires.
  • Abuse including physical, mental, or sexual.
  • Neglect.
  • Death of a loved one or close friend.
  • Medical events like surgery or chronic illness.
  • School events like bullying or school shootings.
  • Community events like riots or high crime levels.
  • Interpersonal events like domestic violence.
  • Wars and genocide like the Holocaust.
  • Human trafficking.