Articles on Childhood Trauma

By Dr. Lynn Margolies

Back to Trauma

The characters from the vignettes in Dr. Margolies’ articles are fictitious and designed to be relatable to many people and common themes. They are not based on any patient’s individual situation or disclosure but were derived from a composite of people and events for the purpose of representing real-life situations and psychological dilemmas. Terms of Use.

The Long-Term Impact of Childhood Maltreatment

This blog discusses recent findings on the long-term effects of childhood emotional neglect and abuse. Other topics: how binge drinking in adolescents affects gene expression in adulthood, and recent finding on marijuana use in people with bipolar disorder.

The Psychology of How We React to Witnessing Violence

Have people lost their humanity? It’s hard to feel otherwise reading about the death on New York’s subway. But other explanations may help restore hope.

The Surprising Power of Support: Research on How Love and Support Impacts Trauma Recovery and Buffers Pain

This blog discusses interesting new research on the positive biological effects of love and support.

Understanding the Effects of Trauma: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Many people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder fail to seek treatment because of not having correctly identified or recognized their symptoms as trauma-related, and/or not knowing their symptoms are treatable. Also, the inherent avoidance, withdrawal, memory disruption, fear, guilt, shame, and mistrust associated with PTSD, can make it difficult to come forward and seek help. The process of integration allows the trauma to become a part of normal memory rather than something to be perpetually feared and avoided, interfering with normal life, and frozen in time.

Why We Hold Grudges: The Psychology of Whether to Forgive

The holiday season ramps up pressure to forgive family members who have hurt us.