NCJ Number
236240
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2011 Pages: 647-654
Date Published
August 2011
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of childhood trauma, trauma in adulthood, and current stress on different aspects of psychopathology.
Abstract
The study found that sexual abuse in either childhood or adulthood was associated with all measured aspects of psychopathology: depression, borderline symptoms, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and dissociation. Childhood emotional abuse was found to be associated with depressive symptoms, while general childhood trauma was associated with dissociation. Trauma in adulthood was found to be associated with depression, borderline symptoms, and PTSD symptoms, current stress was strongly associated with current psychopathology. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of certain stress-related variables (childhood trauma, trauma in adulthood, and current stress) on measured aspects of psychopathology. Data for the study were obtained from a sample of women with early traumatic experiences who were inpatients at a psychiatric hospital in Germany. The sample consisted of 59 women with borderline personality disorder, 47 women with major depressive disorder, and 108 healthy controls. Psychopathology, traumatic experiences, and currently perceived levels of stress in the women were assessed using seven interview instruments, and statistical analyses were performed on the test scores. The results of the analyses indicate a significant association between chronic stress and PTSD symptoms in women with early traumatic experiences. The findings from this study show the importance of integrating trauma-focused therapeutic strategies in the treatment of individuals with PTSD. Limitations of the study are discussed. Tables and references