What physical symptom might a child experiencing trauma exhibit?

A child experiencing trauma is likely to exhibit muscle tension as a physical symptom. Trauma can significantly impact a child's emotional and physical well-being, often resulting in stress responses that manifest in the body. Muscle tension is a common reaction to stress, as the body prepares to respond to perceived threats, leading to physical tightness or discomfort.

On the other hand, increased energy levels, improved sleep patterns, and frequent laughter are not typical responses one would expect in children dealing with the aftereffects of trauma. Often, trauma can lead to fatigue, anxiety, or a heightened state of alertness that does not correlate with increased energy. Improved sleep patterns may suggest a sense of security and comfort, which is uncommon in children facing trauma, leading to difficulties in sleep instead. Lastly, frequent laughter may be a coping mechanism but is not a direct physical symptom of trauma and may not represent the internal struggles the child faces. Therefore, muscle tension serves as a more accurate reflection of the physical toll that trauma can take on children.