Citation

Rossman BR, Bingham RD, Emde RN. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry 1997; 36(8): 1089-1097.

Affiliation

Department of Psychology, University of Denver, CO 80208, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, American Academy of Child Adolescent Psychiatry, Publisher Lippincott Williams and Wilkins)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9256588

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine and identify predictors of posttraumatic symptomatology and adaptive functioning of children exposed to single and repetitive adverse events that varied in severity. METHOD: A sample of 86 patients and their children, aged 4 to 9 years, were interviewed after three types of adverse experiences; repetitive exposure to parental violence, a dog attack, or a milder stressor. The PTSD Reaction Index, Child Dissociative Checklist, and Child Behavior Checklist were used. RESULTS: Trauma symptoms were greater for the first two groups, younger children, and girls. Gender effects were most evident in the dog attack group and depended on type of symptoms and informant. Supportiveness in the parenting relationship aided prediction of both trauma symptoms and adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Children appear to experience elevated posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology after both single and repetitive adverse events that are potentially life-threatening. A positive parental relationship is associated with fewer symptoms and better adaptive functioning. The mechanisms through which this support interacts with behavioral and physiological systems to facilitate better regulation await further research.

Language: en