The Psychological Impact of Prolonged Hospitalization in Children who are Victims of Maltreatment: Retraumatization and Interventions of the Hospital Psychologist

Authors

  • Lorhanne Freitas Silva Unidade de Ensino Superior do Sul do Maranhão (UNISULMA), Brasil.
  • Monica Oliveira Dominici Godinho Unidade de Ensino Superior do Sul do Maranhão (UNISULMA), Brasil. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3874-0576

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14295/idonline.v20i81.4384

Keywords:

Child hospitalization, Maltreatment, Retraumatization, Hospital Psychology

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the psychological impacts of prolonged hospitalization in children who are victims of maltreatment, with emphasis on retraumatization and psychological intervention strategies in hospital settings. An integrative literature review was conducted using the databases SciELO, PubMed, and PsycINFO, including studies published between 2020 and 2025. Original articles available in full text, in Portuguese and English, were included. Data were analyzed qualitatively and organized into thematic categories. The results indicated that prolonged hospitalization may intensify psychological distress, triggering symptoms such as anxiety, fear, behavioral regression, and difficulties in adaptation, especially in children with a history of violence. Additionally, the hospital environment may act as a trigger for retraumatization processes. Humanized psychological interventions, including therapeutic play and the establishment of a supportive bond, were effective in reducing these impacts. It is concluded that the role of the hospital psychologist is essential in promoting children's mental health and minimizing the emotional effects of prolonged hospitalization.

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Author Biographies

Lorhanne Freitas Silva, Unidade de Ensino Superior do Sul do Maranhão (UNISULMA), Brasil.

Graduação em Psicologia pela Unidade de Ensino Superior do Sul do Maranhão (UNISULMA), Brasil.

Monica Oliveira Dominici Godinho , Unidade de Ensino Superior do Sul do Maranhão (UNISULMA), Brasil.

Bacharel em Psicologia pelo Centro de Ensino Unificado de Brasília. Formação em Gestalt-Terapia pelo Instituto de Gestalt do Ceará. Especialista em Saúde Mental pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro-RJ. Pós-graduação em Neurociências e Comportamento pela Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul PUCRS. Docente do Instituto de Ensino Superior do Sul do Maranhão (IESMA/UNISULMA).

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Published

2026-05-31

How to Cite

Silva, L. F., & Godinho , M. O. D. (2026). The Psychological Impact of Prolonged Hospitalization in Children who are Victims of Maltreatment: Retraumatization and Interventions of the Hospital Psychologist. ID on Line. Revista De Psicologia, 20(81), 160–176. https://doi.org/10.14295/idonline.v20i81.4384

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 81 (2026)

Section

Artigo de Revisão

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Lorhanne Freitas Silva, Monica Oliveira Dominici Godinho

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

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