Childhood Trauma in Modern Society

Childhood trauma is one of the mental health issues of greatest concern in our time. Socioeconomic difficulties, cultural changes, and events such as the economic crisis and the pandemic have increased children’s exposure to traumatic experiences (Vasileiou, 2023). Childhood trauma encompasses not only physical or emotional abuse but also more subtle forms of neglect or loss that affect the family and society.

Childhood trauma is an experience or a series of experiences that exceed a child’s resilience and leave psychological scars capable of affecting their development. In Greece today, trauma often arises in cases of divorce, bullying, and domestic violence, as well as in situations such as the prolonged economic crisis and the experience of being a refugee (Papadopoulou, 2022).

From the perspective of psychoanalytic theory, childhood trauma is considered a disturbance in the symbolic functioning of the psyche. When trauma is not processed, it is stored in the unconscious and often manifests as anxiety, learning difficulties, or behavioral problems (Laplanche & Pontalis, 1973). In modern Greece, where traditional bonds are often disrupted, trauma can be transmitted from generation to generation, creating a “collective unconscious” of pain (Karagiannis, 2021).

The literature highlights that trauma shapes an individual’s psycho-emotional structure from the earliest years of life. Attachment theory (Bowlby, 1969) emphasizes that secure emotional bonds with caregivers protect the child from the long-term consequences of trauma, while the destabilization of these bonds increases vulnerability. Bessel van der Kolk (2014) notes that trauma is imprinted not only on the mind but also on the body, affecting emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and the capacity for trust. Furthermore, the systemic approach emphasizes that trauma is not an individual phenomenon but affects entire family and social systems, requiring interdisciplinary intervention and collective awareness (Minuchin, 1974).

Recent social changes in Greece, such as the increase in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic (NGO “The Smile of the Child,” 2021), demonstrate how important early recognition and intervention in childhood trauma are. The media, schools, and social services must act as “systemic guardians” for the protection of children (Georgiou, 2023).

Childhood trauma in modern society has far-reaching consequences across various aspects of Greek life. In school, children with traumatic experiences often perform poorly, struggle with relationships, and are at greater risk of dropping out. On a broader level, trauma can lead to social exclusion, delinquent behavior, or substance abuse, which are often repeated as patterns of violence in adulthood. In today’s Greece, where the crisis has increased insecurity and inequality, childhood trauma often becomes an obstacle to psychological resilience and social cohesion. These consequences affect society as a whole, the functioning of institutions, trust among people, and the ability to prevent and address violence.

One very important point to emphasize regarding childhood trauma is that its effects are not limited to childhood but can profoundly influence an individual’s entire life, even if the person is not fully aware of the connection between these experiences and the difficulties they face as an adult. Trauma often “lies dormant” in the unconscious, manifesting its pain through psychosomatic symptoms, relationship difficulties, anxiety, or even recurring situations that seem inexplicable.

It is equally important to realize that trauma is not an irreversible sentence. The theory of post-traumatic growth posits that trauma, though painful, can—through appropriate processing—lead to positive changes, such as increased wisdom, empathy, and new ways of making sense of life (Tedeschi & Calhoun, 2004). With proper recognition, psychotherapeutic help, and social support, even the deepest wounds can heal, strengthening resilience and opening paths to personal growth and meaningful relationships. Hope and change are always possible, as long as there is room for understanding and therapeutic processing.

In recent years, Greek society has also faced new forms of trauma, such as online abuse and exposure to violence through social media (KETHEA, 2024). These cases require specialized interventions and the ongoing training of mental health professionals. At the same time, contemporary social movements, such as the #MeToo movement and the public discourse on children’s rights, have contributed to the creation of a more protective environment for specific population groups. However, social stereotypes, the lack of adequate support structures, and the stigma associated with psychotherapy continue to pose significant barriers to the effective prevention and treatment of childhood trauma in Greece (Bakogianni, 2024).

Addressing childhood trauma requires collective responsibility and collaboration among all stakeholders. Psychotherapy is important not only for the individual but also for healing the social structures that perpetuate trauma. Continued scientific research, public discourse, and the strengthening of psychosocial structures are essential steps toward a society that respects the psychological resilience of its children (Synodinou, 2025).

Psychoanalytic psychotherapy offers a safe environment where children, adolescents, and adults can process trauma through their relationship with the therapist (Winnicott, 2017). The goal of therapy is to understand internal conflicts and restore psychological continuity. When it comes to therapy with minors, it is very often necessary to collaborate with the parents—and possibly with the family—to break the cycle of trauma transmission (Fonagy et al., 2002).

 

Bibliography

Vasileiou, A. (2023). Childhood Trauma and Greek Society. Psyche.

Bowlby, J. (1969). Attachment and Loss: Vol. 1. Attachment. Hogarth Press.

Georgiou, D. (2023). The Child as a Victim of Violence: Institutional Interventions. University of Athens.

Fonagy, P., Target, M., Gergely, G., Allen, J. G., & Bateman, A. W. (2002). Attachment and Trauma. Routledge.

Karagiannis, T. (2021). Intergenerational Trauma in the Modern Greek Family. Journal of Psychoanalysis.

KETHEA (2024). Report on Cyberbullying in Greece.

Laplanche, J. & Pontalis, J.-B. (1973). Dictionary of Psychoanalysis. Kastaniotis.

Minuchin, S. (1974). Families and Family Therapy. Harvard University Press.

Bakogianni, L. (2024). The Stigma of Psychotherapy in Greece. Journal of Mental Health.

Papadopoulou, E. (2022). Trauma and Migration: New Challenges. Journal of Social Work.

Synodinou, A. (2025). Psychological Resilience in Childhood and Contemporary Social Challenges. Papazisis.

Tedeschi, R. G., & Calhoun, L. G. (2004). Posttraumatic Growth: Conceptual Foundations and Empirical Evidence. Psychological Inquiry, 15(1), 1–18.

Van der Kolk, B. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking.

Winnicott, D.W. (2017). The Child, the Family, and the Outside World. Gavriilidis.

 

This article was published on psychology.gr

Thursday, 22 October 2026