Once a person is familiar with the signs and causes of trauma, they can see it in others’ words, behaviors, postures, movements, and stories. An article from the AP focuses on JD Vance’s various names. It includes indications of likely Developmental Trauma:
“He was born James Donald Bowman in Middletown, Ohio, on Aug. 2, 1984, his middle and last names the same as his biological father, Donald Bowman. His parents split up “around the time I started walking,” he writes. When he was about 6, his mother, Beverly, married for the third time. He was adopted by his new stepfather, Robert Hamel, and his mother renamed him James David Hamel.
“When his mother erased Donald Bowman from his and her lives, the adoption process also erased the name James Donald Bowman from the public record. The only birth certificate for Vance on file at Ohio’s vital statistics office reads James David Hamel, according to information provided by the state.
“Yeah, my legal father’s last name is Hamel. You haven’t met him because I don’t see him. No, I don’t know why I don’t see him. Of all the things that I hated about my childhood, nothing compared to the revolving door of father figures.”
He “Decided to change his name again, to Vance — the last name of his beloved Mamaw, the grandmother who raised him.”
From an interpersonal neurobiology (IPNB) perspective, the kind of childhood described in this scenario could have profound impacts on a child’s developing brain, nervous system, and overall sense of self.
Attachment and Identity
The repeated changes in caregivers and the erasure of significant aspects of identity, such as a name, can disrupt the formation of secure attachments. A child’s name is a core part of their identity, and changing it multiple times, especially without the child’s consent or understanding, can create confusion and a fractured sense of self. The “revolving door of father figures” may lead to inconsistent attachment experiences, making it difficult for the child to form a stable, trusting relationship with any caregiver. This instability can hinder the development of a coherent self-concept, leaving the child feeling disconnected from themselves and others.
Neurobiological Impact
A child’s brain is highly plastic and shaped by their experiences. Consistent, supportive relationships are crucial for healthy brain development, particularly in areas related to emotional regulation, stress response, and social interactions. The instability described could lead to chronic activation of the stress response system, resulting in heightened levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. Over time, this can negatively affect the development of brain structures like the amygdala (involved in emotional processing), hippocampus (critical for memory and learning), and prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive functions such as decision-making and impulse control).
Emotional and Relational Challenges
The lack of consistent, nurturing relationships might lead to difficulties in managing emotions and forming healthy relationships later in life. The child might struggle with feelings of abandonment, rejection, and unworthiness, which could manifest as anxiety, depression, or a deep sense of insecurity. The fractured and unstable family environment could also contribute to difficulties in trust and intimacy, making it challenging for the child to feel safe in relationships.
Adaptive Responses
From an IPNB perspective, the child might develop survival adaptations to cope with the instability, such as hypervigilance (constantly scanning for danger), dissociation (mentally checking out to avoid emotional pain), or people-pleasing (trying to gain approval to ensure some sense of security). While these adaptations might help the child survive in the short term, they can become maladaptive in adulthood, leading to struggles with identity, self-worth, and relational dynamics.
Cultural and Spiritual Dimension
Religious or spiritual influences, such as the religiosity of the evangelical church, could add another layer of complexity. If the child is exposed to conflicting or authoritarian religious messages, especially in an already unstable environment, it might further confuse their developing sense of self and worldview. The internal conflict between their experiences and the expectations or beliefs imposed on them could contribute to feelings of guilt, shame, or inadequacy, particularly if they are unable to reconcile these influences with their lived reality.
In summary, this life scenario could lead to significant challenges in a child’s development, affecting their sense of identity, emotional regulation, and relational capacities. Without stable, supportive relationships and a coherent narrative of their life experiences, the child might struggle with long-term emotional and psychological difficulties.
Healing from a childhood marked by instability, fractured identity, and disrupted attachments can be a complex journey, but it is certainly possible.
This post includes content generated by ChatGPT, a language model developed by OpenAI. The AI-generated content has been reviewed and edited for accuracy and relevance.
