Infants and toddlers do not experience traumatic stress. True or False?

Infants and toddlers can indeed experience traumatic stress, which makes the statement false. Traumatic stress refers to the emotional and psychological response that can occur after a distressing event, and research has shown that young children, including infants and toddlers, are not immune to such experiences.

At this development stage, children may undergo a variety of situations that can lead to stress, such as exposure to neglect, abuse, the loss of a caregiver, or witnessing violence. Infants and toddlers rely heavily on their caregivers for both physical and emotional safety, and if that sense of security is compromised, they can exhibit signs of trauma.

It's important to recognize that although they may not have the verbal skills to express their feelings or experiences, infants and toddlers often display changes in behavior, attachment issues, and other signs that indicate they are affected by their environment. This innate capacity to react to traumatic events underscores the importance of providing stable, nurturing, and protective environments for this vulnerable age group to promote their emotional well-being and development.