NCJ Number
245307
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 38 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2014 Pages: 114-122
Date Published
January 2014
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This Canadian study examined the association between child maltreatment and trauma-related symptoms in emerging adulthood among a sample of young adult women formerly in residential care.
Abstract
Study findings indicate that the young women were exposed to various types of child maltreatment experiences, which were associated with trauma-related symptoms. Emotional abuse and emotional neglect were specifically associated with anxiety, depression, and anger. These findings suggest that the trauma-related childhood experiences were not addressed when these young adult women were in residential care as adolescents. Professionals working with young women mandated to residential centers should be aware of the impact of particular childhood traumas, over and above the incidence of conduct problems and early psychological problems. Assessments should detect childhood trauma early in the placement, and treatment should focus on the underlying trauma causing the related symptoms. The young women should be assisted in establishing healthy relationships with adults and peers. In addition, they should be taught strategies for coping with the trauma-related symptoms. The study sample consisted of 89 adolescent females who were first interviewed at the time of admission to a residential center and later in young adulthood. At time 1, trauma-related symptoms were assessed with the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children, and conduct problems were identified with a composite measure. At time 2, child maltreatment was assessed retrospectively with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire; and trauma-related symptoms were reassessed with the Trauma Symptom Inventory-2. 3 tables and 64 references