A Retrospective Analysis of the Impacts of the Cultural Revolution on Childhood Trauma

Abstract

The Cultural Revolution (1966-1976) was a tumultuous period in Chinese history that had profound and lasting impacts on the country's youth. This paper conducts a retrospective analysis of the Cultural Revolution's impact on childhood trauma through oral histories and interviews with individuals who experienced this era firsthand. By examining the cultural, political, historical, social, and economic contexts of China during and after the Cultural Revolution, the study explores the methods through which young people were exposed to traumatic events and the long-term psychological effects these experiences had on them. The analysis employs the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) criteria to assess the presence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among the interviewees. Findings reveal that many individuals experienced significant trauma, characterized by direct exposure to violence, witnessing traumatic events, and enduring the long-term consequences of these experiences. This study underscores the importance of understanding the deep-seated emotional and psychological scars left by the Cultural Revolution and the need for further research to comprehend the full extent of its impact on subsequent generations.