Adolescent Girls' Use of Avoidant and Approach Coping as Moderators Between Trauma Exposure and Trauma Symptoms

• NCJ Number: 245503
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 8 Dated: November 2013 Pages: 763-770
• Author(s): Meredith Elzy; Colleen Clark; Norín Dollard; Victoria Hummer
• Date Published: November 2013
• Length: 8 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined whether avoidant and/or approach coping skills moderated the relationship between childhood trauma exposure and trauma symptoms among adolescent females with a history of complex trauma.

Abstract

High rates of child maltreatment demand attention, as exposure to child maltreatment substantially increases the risk of developing PTSD. Some evidence exists that the presence of coping skills may reduce the likelihood that victims of childhood maltreatment will develop PTSD Agaibi & Wilson, Trauma Violence Abuse 6:195-216, 2005. This study examined whether avoidant and/or approach coping skills moderated the relationship between childhood trauma exposure and trauma symptoms among adolescent females with a history of complex trauma. Results suggest that the use of avoidant coping moderates the relationship between trauma exposure and trauma symptoms. More specifically, girls with higher levels of trauma exposure demonstrated lower levels of trauma symptoms if they reported using higher levels of avoidant coping. Clinical implications for these results are discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.