[1] The term is used to explain how early care of a fetus and newborn is important to lifelong psychological development and has been used as an argument for alternative birthing methods,[2] and against circumcision.
[1] Some also refer to the concept as the human emotional map, deep-seated beliefs, and values that are stored in the brain's limbic system.
[1] However, when a fetus or newborn does not experience trauma, the brain will develop healthy coping mechanisms that work effectively into adulthood.
[7] As opposed to other psychological concepts, the limbic imprint is not specific to or more common in one group of people but is applicable to everyone.
[8] Trauma in utero increases the risk of neurodevelopmental delays and disorders causing a long-term effect on limbic imprinting such as difficulty regulating and processing emotions.
[9] These experiences can cause both physical and psychological harm to the baby that also affects the limbic imprinting process.
Finally, trauma experienced after birth can include malnutrition; neglect, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; and lack of a safe or healthy environment.
As Freud has identified, infant development is affected severely by negative limbic imprints on the brain because at this stage the "Ego" is vulnerable and susceptible adverse effects.
There are four stops in the trauma loop of the Limbic System in the brain that occurs when an individual is experiencing a negative imprint effect.
Thirdly, the brain experiences a "Fight or Flight Freeze" and the individual cannot process how to react to the situation or stimulus presenting itself.
Lastly, the limbic system reaches a point where the brain cannot take in information to understand the cues that it is receiving.
[11] There are therapists who recognize that body and emotions - facilitated by experiences - leave imprints in deep neuronal circuits of the limbic brain and use such position to devise psychological interventions such as the therapy within a group setting.
For example, an individual that has low self-esteem may be given an activity to deliberately make them feel good about themselves like positive affirmation exercises.