It's a common problem with all children. They internalize painful experiences and assume it's their fault something bad happened. Ofttimes, they've only misinterpreted the situation or nothing bad has actually happened, but they lack the perspective and understanding to realize they're not in any trouble.

Heck, they may not have a choice, considering the brain generally doesn't start producing alpha and beta waves (the brain waves associated with regular conscious thought) until late childhood. Until then, they're basically running on gamma and delta waves, the deeper brain waves behind meditation, dreaming, and hypnosis. A strong enough shock to the system can literally jolt a child into a semi-hypnotic state. So, yes, sometimes stupid things end up screwing us over for life.

I've waited way, way too long for this one.