Master’s Cum Laude Graduate Explores How Complex Trauma Shapes the Developing Brain

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Understanding how prolonged trauma affects children requires searching beyond behaviour and into the biological changes that shape development.

This insight guided the master’s research of Ms Nauratha Singh, whose study examined the neurobiological effects of complex traumatic stress disorder in children and adolescents.

Her dissertation, achieved cum laude, was completed under the supervision of Dr Sachet Valjee and contributes to growing international debates about how complex trauma should be recognised and treated.

Singh’s interest in the topic emerged from her engagement with ongoing diagnostic discussions within psychology, particularly differences between major global classification systems.

“The World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11) recognition of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as a distinct diagnosis, in contrast to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR’s) positioning of these features within PTSD, highlighted a critical conceptual gap,” she explained. “This distinction raised important questions about whether existing frameworks sufficiently capture the developmental and neurobiological complexity of prolonged trauma, especially in children and adolescents.”

Working within the South African context strengthened the urgency of these questions. Many young people are exposed to sustained interpersonal adversity, yet the biological effects of trauma are often overlooked in everyday responses to behaviour.

“Understanding the neurobiological impact of complex trauma allows us to move beyond viewing behaviour as merely symptomatic,” said Singh. “It ultimately reframes intervention from managing behaviour to supporting neurodevelopmental recovery.”

Through a scoping review of international research, Singh identified consistent patterns in how trauma affects developing brain systems. Her findings highlighted disruption within fronto-limbic circuitry, including increased activity in threat detection regions and reduced regulation from prefrontal areas.

“This creates a neurobiological environment characterised by both hyperarousal and dissociation,” Singh explained. “Together, these findings reinforce the conceptualisation of complex trauma as a neurodevelopmental condition, rather than solely a psychological one.”

Recognising these biological changes can reshape how professionals respond to children affected by trauma. Singh emphasises that behaviour often reflects adaptation rather than defiance.

“When professionals understand that trauma alters brain development, responses such as aggression, withdrawal or inattention are no longer seen as defiance, but as neurobiologically mediated adaptations,” she said.

Her research also highlighted the long-term nature of trauma’s effects on the brain, including lasting changes to structure, connectivity and neurochemistry.

“The evidence suggested that chronic childhood trauma does not simply influence emotional functioning in the short-term, but can produce lasting alterations in brain structure, connectivity, and neurochemistry,” she noted.

Singh credits her postgraduate training at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) with strengthening her interest in trauma-related mental health research, particularly through engagement with diverse clinical populations and locally grounded scholarship.

“This intersection of theory, research and practice ultimately solidified my interest in trauma as a field requiring both scientific depth and contextual sensitivity,” said Singh.

She acknowledged the important role her family played in supporting her academic journey.

“I would first like to thank my mother, who championed my dreams and has been the foundation of this journey,” she said. “Her sacrifices, strength and example have shaped my worldviews and continually fuelled my ambitions.”

She also thanked her sisters, Gishatha and Hemlata, for their encouragement throughout her studies.

“This journey would not be possible without you,” she added.

Singh further credited the academic guidance of her supervisor, Dr Valjee, whose mentorship helped shape both the research and her broader engagement with trauma scholarship.

“His contributions to the field of trauma not only shaped this work, but inspired my own pursuit of meaningful, impactful research,” Singh said.

She hopes her work contributes to improving how complex trauma is recognised within South Africa’s support systems for young people.

“I hope this research contributes to a growing recognition of complex trauma as a distinct and developmentally significant condition within the South African context,” she said. “Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the capacity of systems such as schools, hospitals, and communities to respond in ways that are both humane and effective.”

Words: Lee Rondganger

Photograph: Sethu Dlamini