Living through medical traumatic stress: children's voices in a qualitative study

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of children who have undergone traumatic medical interventions, focusing on their emotional, behavioral, and psychosocial responses. Methods A descriptive thematic qualitative design was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 children aged 7–18 who were recently hospitalized at a state hospital in Türkiye. Data were analyzed thematically using Deterding and Waters' flexible coding approach within a biopsychosocial trauma framework. Results Five core themes emerged: (1) Trauma Induced by Medical Interventions, (2) Re-experiencing, (3) Avoidant Attitudes, (4) Emotional and Bodily Responses, and (5) Psychosocial Adaptation Process. Children's trauma narratives revealed a complex interplay of procedural pain, fear, avoidance, emotional withdrawal, somatic distress, and the critical influence of age, sex, and relational support. Conclusion Pediatric medical trauma extends beyond physical procedures, encompassing emotional, relational, and developmental dimensions. A trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive care approach that fosters emotional safety and empowers children is essential to promoting adaptive coping and preventing long-term distress. Practical implications Integrating trauma-informed, developmentally sensitive care practices into pediatric settings can help nurses recognize behavioral and somatic indicators of distress, provide emotional safety, and foster resilience in hospitalized children.