Childhood Trauma In The Kite Runner

In a world where mental health challenges are often met with criticism, the visible connection between unresolved childhood trauma, interpersonal relationships, and self-esteem stands out prominently and demands immediate attention. Following recognition of this critical relationship, it is apparent that a child's physical and mental development can be significantly impacted by experiencing an insecure or stressful environment as a child. Professionals and The Kite Runner emphasize the impacts of environments, illustrating how they can disrupt the development of stress responses and the immune system. Prolonged exposure to insecure or stressful settings may result in heightened stress reactions later in life, impacting well-being and relationships.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network explains that by forming connections with significant figures in their lives, children gain the ability to rely on others and manage their feelings by shaping their perception of safety and their sense of self-worth (NCTSN). Amir’s unresolved childhood trauma in The Kite Runner emphasizes the importance of strong childhood relationships to build interpersonal trust and communication skills. Through Amir’s insecure relationship with his father and the betrayal of his childhood friend Hassan, challenges arose in his ability to interact with others and form healthy future connections. In his adulthood, Amir struggled to rely on his wife Soraya, communicate with her openly, and control his emotions. When Amir is unable to open up with Soraya about his feelings of regret that stem from viewing the rape of Hassan, it causes him to feel guilty and alone when entering their marriage. This pattern of insecurity is shown in the study conducted by Cun Li in

The neglect Amir has endured as a child at home from Baba prevents him from forming strong bonds and confidence. When Amir was a child, Baba lacked emotional support and recognition of his feelings and needs. Baba covered Amir when he cried in public because he wasn't displaying the strong qualities he inherited from Baba. As an adult, this mistreatment caused Amir to struggle to be open with his wife, Soraya, about his feelings of guilt after witnessing Assef rape Hassan. Baba's persistent demand that Amir suppress his feelings in order to be seen as a strong man causes Amir to hide his emotions as an adult. Despite Soraya's unwavering love and support, Amir struggles to fully trust her because of his unresolved feelings of guilt from his past and shame from his actions. His reluctance to trust Soraya about his secrets and his constant need for redemption highlight his ability to form stable romantic relationships, which has been affected by his repressed