Whys A Focus on Boys Specific Trauma?

In this section you will find some valuable content and information in regards to why the focuse on boys specific trauma. We look at the contrast between boys and girls and what the differences are withing trauma, interventions and treatment.

Gender Differences in Trauma

According to multiple studies and researchers there are differences in the types and even occurrences of trauma within boys and girls. Within girls there is a higher likelihood to experience trauma that is tried to sexual abuse, assault, pyhsical punishment and psychologicial distress (Henessey et al, 2004). In contract, boys trauma is less related to sexual forms of assualt and rather stems from accidents, illnesses, experiencing an injury, and witness death or an injury (Tolin & Foa, 2006). This is not to say that there cannot be causes of sexual abuse within boys or girls witnessing a death, however, the statistical occurrences and commonalities reported and documented are as such.

When looking at the statisical differences in cases of reported trauma, there is a significant increase in the number of females in middle school that exhibit trauma or experience trauma. Although around 40% of children experience a traumatic experience it is still evident that a majority cases reported tend to be in young girls as opposed to boys. There is one factor that be important to note in regards to this difference, and that lies in the boys willingness to show vulnerability to and admit to having trauma. Despite the statistical differences male students are far less likley to to be receptive to treatment or willing to engage in trauma related treatment. This unwillingness and non-receptive attitude can be hamrful and make treatment and support far more challenging for boys who ensure trauma.

Interventions and Treatments

When looking at the number of cases there is a stark difference in cases reported with higher cases of trauma in females versus boys. What is important to note about boys that experience trauma is their reluctance to seek help. Boys often exhibt external outbursts and behaviour, but are much less likely to admit to having experienced any form of trauma, making treatment far more challenging for boys (Briere & Scott, 2006) The social construction and pressure on young boys to be far stronger and less prone to experiencing trauma can place a hindrance on boys willingness to seek the help they need after experiencing trauma. Although, boys tend to respond better in similar situations to girls and are not as prone to trauma when placed in the same situation, it is not to state the boys do not suffer or are not at a risk of trauma. When looking at treatment options, boys need safe spaces where they can display their vulnerability and therefore treatment speciliasts, practioners and educators need to be aware of these gender based differences to ensure the correct support can be provided.

What Male Trauma? The Impact of Patriarchy on Male Bodies:
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A conversation around male specific trauma and the challenges posed to males that experiences with trauma victims or surivovors. This is brought to you by the Apollo Project which provides retreat treatments for victims of male trauma.

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Why Focus on Boys Specific Trauma?

As educators who work in boys focused education, we can directly see the impacts that many young males face in regards to their own social, emotional and mental barriers in school. Trauma can have impacts on children and due to the fact that we work with all male students, this topic resnoates with us due to the direct impact within our own personal educational fields.

In addition, as males who work in education and had own our unique experiences as children, we do bring a personal connection to this topic as we recognize the challenges around male self-epxression and the ability to admitting vulernability when experiencing any signs of trauma or traumatic experiences.

References

Briere, J., & Scott, (2006). Principles of trauma therapy: A guide to symptoms, evaluation, and treatment. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Henessey, M., Ford, J., Mahoney, K., Ko, S., & Seifried, C., (2004). Trauma among girls in the juvenile justic system. Los Angeles, CA: National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Tolin, D. F., & Foa, E. B. (2006). Sex differences in trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder: a quantitative review of 25 years of research. Pyschological Bulleting, 132, 959-992.

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