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Men who have sex with men (MSM) with history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) are at high risk for HIV acquisition. One reason is posttraumatic responses compromise ability to accurately appraise risk for danger/vulnerability. Health behavior change models and related interventions assume risk perception can be changed in an enduring manner. Given paucity of studies examining how risk perception changes or sustains over time post-intervention, this underlying assumption is not confirmed. Among this particularly high-risk group who struggle with perceiving risk due to trauma-related cognitions, it may be accuracy of risk perception is fluid. The study primarily aimed to examine accuracy of HIV risk perception over time post-HIV prevention behavioral intervention. Leveraging data from a larger RCT, N = 190 MSM in Boston, MA and Miami, FL USA completed a psychosocial baseline assessment, an intervention aimed to increase awareness of personal HIV risk level, then four follow-up assessments three months apart for a year. Linear mixed effect models were used to examine the degree to which accuracy of HIV risk perception (vs. traditional construct of risk perception with no information about accuracy) predicts sex risk behavior over time delineated by between-person (trait level) and within-person (state level) effects. Majority (92%) of participants fluctuated in HIV risk accuracy over time post-intervention. Within-person risk accuracy (one's accuracy at any given timepoint) predicted sex risk behavior (condomless sex not protected by adherent PrEP) over time, but not between-person (one's average of accuracy). Findings have implications for intervention and counseling related to specific HIV prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Studies on sexual health following male child sexual abuse (CSA) have identified the negative effects of such experiences on body functioning, but little is known about male CSA survivors' ability to create emotional and physical closeness in romantic relationships. The purpose of this article is to explore how male CSA survivors perceive, experience and develop intimacy in romantic relationships, including both the challenges they face and the positive changes that enable them to grow and achieve healthy relationships. Method: The study has employed a qualitative research approach and is based on in-depth interviews conducted among adult male CSA survivors residing in Sweden. Participants were recruited through civil society organizations and an ad in a daily newspaper. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the results are presented in relation to two themes: (a) challenges of intimacy; and (b) building trust and close relationships. Results: The results show that participants desired couple relationships that included both sexual and emotional intimacy. The challenges of intimacy were related to compromised sexual identity, sexual dysfunctions and compulsions, emotional dysregulation, and body shame. Efforts to achieve intimacy were facilitated by disclosing abuse experiences, developing emotional bonds or awareness, embracing sensitivity, and having an empathetic and supportive partner. Conclusions: Reconstructions of abuse histories were both challenged and facilitated by the accessibility of various and shifting ideas about masculinities that co-exist in Sweden, which were important sources for meaning making and assisted the men in developing positive valuations of themselves as men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous studies shed light on the potential role of secure parental attachment in mitigating the effects of child sexual abuse (CSA) on the survivors' long-term psychological distress. However, few studies have explored both approach and avoidance coping strategies as mediators of the link between parental attachment and psychological distress in a nonclinical sample. The purpose of this study was to examine the respective mediating effects of approach coping and avoidance coping on the relationship between perceived parental attachment, CSA severity, and psychological distress. Method: Our sample included 427 adults with a history of CSA. Participants were recruited from various social media websites (e.g., Facebook, Craigslist, discussion board, university announcement board). We conducted a mediation analysis with bootstrapping. Results: We found that parental attachment significantly predicted CSA survivors' psychological distress. Additionally, both approach coping and avoidance coping mediated the effect of perceived parental attachment on psychological distress. CSA severity was found to be a nonsignificant predictor of psychological distress. Conclusion: These findings may help develop interventions that enhance CSA survivors' effective copings strategies to ultimately reduce psychological distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Few studies have explored young child sexual abuse (CSA) survivors experience as Participatory Action Research (PAR) researchers, and no studies have included participant researchers who were survivors unknown to statutory child protection services, the latter, a particularly vulnerable group. This exploratory study aimed to trace the nature of engagement and discover the perceived practical benefits and drawbacks of PAR for survivor researchers who had conducted a study into survivor views on confidentiality. Methods: The 8 PAR researchers included six females and two males, aged 12 to 20 years. All self-reported significant mental health problems, and 2 reported a learning disability. PAR participation was traced over 7-months and their views on their experience was sought through an online discussion forum and face to face interviews. Results: PAR was found to increase survivor researcher self-confidence because of learning new skills and discovering others shared experience of abuse and isolation. PAR researchers reported a growth in trust with each other leading to further disclosure, and the seeking of support services. Drawbacks included sustaining engagement because of personal crises. Conclusions: PAR is reported as an empowering process for CSA survivors, however, future research is needed into the relevance of PAR for the development of support services, especially for those unknown to statutory child protection services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiencing childhood maltreatment by mothers could have both short-term and long-term negative consequences for them and their children. The current study attempted to evaluate the mediating role of parenting stress and meta-parenting in the association between maternal childhood maltreatment and the quality of child-mother relationships. A total of 468 Iranian mothers of preschool children (five to six years old) were selected using a purposeful sampling method and were assessed in a cross-sectional study. A broad set of psychometric instruments such as childhood maltreatment, stress parenting, meta-parenting, and child-parent relationships were used. The mediating role of parenting stress was supported by the association between maternal childhood maltreatment and child-mother conflict (positively and significantly) and child-mother closeness (negatively and significantly). Furthermore, the mediating role of meta-parenting was supported for the association between maternal childhood maltreatment and child-mother closeness (positively and significantly) and child-mother dependency (negatively and significantly). It was concluded that the existence of maternal child maltreatment affects the quality of child-mother relationships through parenting stress and meta-parenting (both directly and indirectly). Consequently, it is recommended to focus on the mother's childhood and the need to hold psychological sessions for them before her delivery to reduce the negative consequences of her childhood maltreatment. The findings highlighted the importance of meta-parenting and parenting stress in the relationships between mothers who have experienced childhood maltreatment and their children. Highlights: Maternal childhood maltreatment only through meta-parenting associated with child-mother dependency. Parenting stress was a mediating variable for the negative association between maternal childhood maltreatment and child-mother closeness. Parenting stress was a mediating variable for the positive association between maternal childhood maltreatment and child-mother conflict. In the present model, the child-mother conflict could be explained by more than two styles of child-mother relationship quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Children exposed to domestic violence are at risk of adverse short- and long-term psychosocial effects and of being abused themselves. However, mothers and children face systemic gaps when seeking safety from domestic violence services and police. Safety planning typically focuses on women, overlooking their multiple social identities and excluding their children. We explored safety strategies used by mothers and children coping together with severe domestic violence. Method: Interviews with 30 mothers who experienced severe or potentially life-threatening domestic violence and 5 adults who experienced domestic violence in childhood were qualitatively analyzed using thematic analysis, revealing five major themes: ongoing communication, appeasing the abuser, soothing activities, exposure reduction, and fostering independence. Results: Interpreting participants' experiences in terms of the mother-child dyad, we found that mothers and their children worked together to reassure each other, keep each other safe, and make plans to leave their abuser. Conclusions: Safety planning for the mother-child dyad could build on children's existing coping strategies and recognize and support children's desire to protect their mother and themselves effectively and safely according to their developmental stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Human trafficking occurs when a person uses force, fraud, or coercion to obtain an act or service from another person. While trafficking is often depicted as a crime perpetrated by strangers, recent literature has found family members can also be traffickers. Only four peer reviewed studies have specifically examined familial trafficking. Method: The current study builds upon this sparse literature by reviewing medical charts of patients in a large hospital system who were identified as survivors of familial trafficking between October 2017 and September 2021. Descriptive statistics are reported for all 39 identified patients. Results: Majority of patients were female (92.3%) and under 36 years old (56.4%; M = 34.2, SD = 11.6). Despite most patients now being adults, all except one were minors at the time the trafficking began. Parents were the most common perpetrator (66.7%) followed by aunt/uncle (12.8%). Nine cases were chosen, given level of detail in patient charts, to be highlighted in a case series to further describe the experiences of these survivors. Cases examined included labor trafficking, parents as perpetrators, intersection of substance use, and males as victims. Force was the most common means of control used and often manifested as physical or sexual abuse that preceded the exploitation. Another reoccurring theme was substance use being a factor when parents were perpetrators. Conclusion: The findings from this paper can help inform screening techniques by encouraging providers to inquire about familial relationships. Findings may also be helpful for providers working with this population and future research endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Child sexual abuse (CSA) has short-term and long-term effects on survivors, but distress after the abuse varies widely and not all survivors show a significant degree of distress. Factors contributing to the variations of CSA outcomes need to be further investigated. The present study examines the moderating role of childhood attachment in the relationship between the experience of CSA and adult attachment, psychological distress, and self-esteem. Methods: Seven hundred and sixty-seven adults participated in this study, of which 427 (55.67%) reported a history of CSA. Participants were recruited from various social media websites (e.g., Facebook, Craigslist, discussion board, university announcement board). To examine the moderating role of childhood attachment between the experience of CSA and adult attachment, we conducted path analysis. Results: Childhood attachment significantly predicted adult attachment, psychological distress, and self-esteem in adulthood and moderated the relation between CSA and anxious adult attachment; CSA survivors with more secure childhood attachment were less likely to develop anxious attachment in adulthood. Additionally, CSA survivors reported less secure adult attachment, more psychological distress, and lower self-esteem than did individuals without a history of CSA. Furthermore, secure childhood attachment was significantly associated with secure adult attachment, lower levels of psychological distress, and higher levels of self-esteem. Conclusions: The results suggested that secure childhood attachment at least partially protected against negative long-term effects of CSA and fostered healthier intrapersonal and interpersonal adjustment in CSA survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Early experiences of childhood maltreatment have been linked to intimate partner violence (IPV) later in adulthood. Few studies, however, have examined the prospective relationship between child maltreatment and IPV perpetration in the context of proximal and distal risk factors for violence, such as depression and alcohol misuse. Method: Data from 370 adult respondents are from the Lehigh Longitudinal Study. Child maltreatment was measured prospectively at preschool ages and school-ages. Proximal and distal risk factors for adult IPV perpetration were measured in adolescence and at two time points in adulthood (age 36 and 46 years of age, on average). Hierarchical regression models were used to examine the prediction of IPV perpetration from earlier time points. Results: Results indicate that exposure to child maltreatment, frequent alcohol use in adolescence, adolescent depression, frequent alcohol use at age 36, and adult depression at age 36 are predictive of IPV perpetration at age 36. Adolescent aggression and frequent alcohol use at age 46 were significantly predictive of IPV perpetration at age 46. Conclusions: Findings identify multiple points across the life course for intervention. Interventions targeting adolescent and adult mental health and alcohol use may lessen the risk for adult IPV perpetration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the well-established relationship between early experiences of victimization and later re-victimization, little is known about the exact mechanism of this cycle of victimization. The present study examined whether the route from rejection sensitivity to aggression mediates the associations between different forms of childhood abuse and later peer victimization longitudinally. A total of 3525 adolescents (56.6% male; Mage = 13.21 ± 0.85) participated in this three-wave study, with a 6-month lag and a 9-month lag respectively. The results indicated that the association between childhood emotional abuse and peer victimization were independently mediated by aggression, and sequentially mediated by rejection sensitivity and aggression in both sexes. Sex differences existed regarding the association between childhood physical abuse and aggression, such that only in adolescent boys did physical abuse show significant effect on aggression, resulting in later peer victimization. In general, these findings suggest that maladaptive social-cognitive processes and behavioral patterns are crucial for understanding the mechanism of the vicious cycle of victimization, and sex differences must be considered when examining different types of childhood abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This phenomenological study explored the lived experiences of survivors of childhood sexual assault, their meaning making process of the assault, and how messages from their sociocultural environment affected their relationship with, and perception of, their bodies. Utilizing a social constructivist framework, the research team interviewed eleven (n = 11) participants from a variety of backgrounds who were gender assigned female at birth and had survived childhood sexual assault (CSA). Four major themes emerged from the narratives collected. These include sociocultural impacts which included four subthemes: family relationships, peer relationships, societal and environmental influences, and cultural and ethnic influences; meaning making of the critical event, i.e., childhood sexual assault; self-perception of their bodies; internal processes that have shaped their perceptions and meaning making, i.e., thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Findings indicate major influence of sociocultural factors in shaping participant's internal processes as survivors of CSA, meaning making, and subsequently self-perceptions of, and relationship with, their bodies. We discuss CSA and body image keeping the intersectionality of the individual, their experiences, and the impact of sociocultural contexts on that intersectionality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The experience of childhood maltreatment is associated with greater psychological difficulties in survivors of maltreatment and their later children. While this intergenerational pattern is well-established, little is known about the mechanisms leading to negative outcomes in the children of maltreated parents. Moreover, many studies to date have focused on young children, with less research on adolescent children. In a sample of mother–adolescent child dyads (N = 241), we explored links between mothers' experiences of childhood maltreatment and adolescents' internalizing and externalizing symptoms over a 3-year period, as well as whether maternal emotion regulation difficulties and invalidating emotion socialization practices partially explained any links. Latent growth curve analysis revealed that internalizing symptoms increased slightly over the 3-year period, whereas externalizing symptoms remained stable on average. Mothers who reported higher levels of childhood maltreatment had adolescent children with greater overall levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, but not greater increases over time. Maternal emotion regulation partially mediated the association between maternal history of childhood maltreatment and offspring externalizing symptoms but not internalizing symptoms. Maternal emotion socialization did not account for either association. Our results suggest that mothers' experiences of childhood maltreatment are associated with greater overall psychological difficulties in their adolescent children, and mothers' own emotion dysregulation partially accounts for that association for externalizing symptoms. Highlight: Examined mediators of association of parental history of childhood maltreatment and child symptoms. Used Latent Growth Curve analysis to study adolescent child symptoms longitudinally. Maternal emotion regulation mediated association between maltreatment history and externalizing symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A substantial number of children who experienced child maltreatment drop out of evidence-based trauma-focused treatments (TF-CBT). Identifying child, family, and treatment-related factors associated with treatment dropout is important to be able to prevent this from happening and to effectively treat children's trauma-related symptoms. Methods: A quantitative review was performed based on a systematic synthesis of the literature on potential risk factors for dropout of trauma-focused treatment in maltreated children. Results: Eight studies were included, that examined TF-CBT, reporting on 139 effects of potential risk factors for dropout. Each factor was classified into one of ten domains. Small but significant effects were found for the "Demographic and Family" risk domain (r =.121), with factors including being male, child protective services involvement or placement, and minority status, and for the "Youth Alliance" risk domain (r =.207), with factors including low therapist-child support and low youth perception of parental approval. Moderator analyses suggested that family income and parental education may better predict the risk for TF-CBT dropout than other variables in the "Demographic and Family" domain. Conclusions: Our results provide a first overview of risk factors for dropout of trauma-focused treatments (TF-CBT) after child maltreatment, and highlight the role of the therapeutic relationship in this. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the numerous adverse consequences of exposure to parental domestic violence (PDV), some of those with a history of PDV thrive in adulthood and achieve complete mental health (CMH). This study investigates whether lifetime history of mental illness (depression, anxiety, substance use disorder) and social support (social provision scale) mediate the relationship between exposure to PDV and CMH in adulthood. A sample of 17,739 respondents from the 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health including 326 with a history of chronic PDV (> 10 times before age 16). CMH was defined as: 1) the absence of mental illness and substance dependence; 2) happiness or life satisfaction; and 3) psychological and social well-being. Path analyses were used to test the objective. Those exposed to PDV had a significantly lower prevalence of CMH compared to the general population (62.5% vs 76.1%, p <.001). Evidence of mediation was found for depression (indirect effect = -.19; 95%CI = -.30, -.09, p =.002), anxiety (indirect effect = -.12; 95%CI = -.20, -.05, p =.005), substance use disorder (indirect effect = -.04; 95%CI = -0.07, -.01, p =.016) and social provisions (indirect effect = -.13; 95%CI = -.19, -.07, p <.001). Among those with a history of PDV the odds of CMH were lower among those with lower social support and those with a history of substance use disorder or anxiety. It is important to consider mediators, such as mental health and social support, when addressing the negative outcomes of witnessing PDV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early child abuse likely changes the response to later witnessed community violence, but this interaction is not well understood. This study examined whether early physical, emotional and sexual abuse modify the relationship between adolescent witnessed community violence and functioning. Drawing on stress–diathesis theory, we examined the relevance of two competing models—the stress amplification and stress inoculation model—in a large national high risk sample (N = 874) in the United States. Consistent with stress amplification, results derived from multiple linear regressions suggested that early physical and sexual abuse strengthened the association of adolescent witnessed violence with social competency. In contrast, in one case a stress-inoculation effect was observed, such that youth who reported early sexual abuse experienced fewer internalizing symptoms in response to witnessed violence compared to those without early abuse. Implications of findings are addressed, including the importance of screening for all forms of early abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) so service provision can be effectively timed and tailored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Continued research regarding the effects of experiencing multiple types of childhood maltreatment is necessary in gauging the impact of such experiences on survivors. In an effort to contribute to this area of study, the authors investigated the relationship between multitype childhood maltreatment and adult spirituality and compared three established methods of assessing the these effects to investigate the degree to which a researcher's choice of method might affect their findings. Surveys were completed by 254 university students that included data on childhood maltreatment and current spirituality. Findings suggest the presence of a dose response between multitype childhood maltreatment and adult spirituality and that the researcher's assessment method choice can affect findings of the research. In addition, the authors report their findings on the unique effects of five types of childhood maltreatment on adult spirituality. Emotional neglect and emotional abuse were found to be associated with lower levels of spirituality; no significant relationships were found between sexual abuse, physical abuse, and physical neglect and spirituality. The findings suggest the need for further study regarding the effects of experiencing multiple types of childhood maltreatment, the most accurate methods of assessing those effects on survivors, and the relationship between multitype maltreatment and spirituality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although the associations between religion and spirituality and mental health and trauma have been studied extensively across various populations, relatively few studies have focused on the postpartum period. This study aimed to shed light on specific domains of religiosity and spirituality that may be resiliency factors for positive postpartum adjustment defined as low depression and high quality of life in mothers oversampled for childhood trauma histories. Methods: We examined several religion and spirituality variables among 108 women at 6 months postpartum as well as prospective relations from religion and spirituality to postpartum depression and quality of life at 12 and 15 months postpartum. Results: We found that the personal aspects of self-forgiveness and forgiveness for others were most relevant as resiliency factors predicting lower postpartum depression and better quality of life even when controlling for other risks (trauma and demographics). Surprisingly, no other religion and spirituality domain had associations with postpartum depression or quality of life, with the exception of a significant negative association for organizational religiousness with quality of life at 12 months postpartum. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that forgiveness, especially to self and to others, in women who have been physically and mentally hurt as children may be associated with mental wellness and quality of life in the late postpartum period. Further, our results point to the need to study specific religion and spirituality aspects in the context of specific populations and conditions instead of generally studying religion and spirituality as a common marker for coping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Although the use of coping strategies is recognized as playing a vital role in predicting the development of trauma-related symptoms, little research has identified what factors may contribute to the utilization, and perceived efficacy of, coping strategies following childhood sexual abuse (CSA). Research has not determined whether aspects of the CSA (e.g., duration, severity) and CSA-related factors such as abuse stressors (e.g., coercion, threats), abuse-related events (e.g., familial disruptions, legal system involvement), and maternal emotional support and blame/doubt correspond with children's coping use and perceived effectiveness. Methods: The current study investigated whether CSA characteristics, abuse stress, and maternal support were related to children's utilization and perceived efficacy of active/social, internalized, angry, and avoidant coping strategies among 141 sexually abused children aged 7–12 (M= 9.72, SD= 1.50). Results: Children used nearly 7 types of coping strategies (M= 6.71, SD = 1.63). Longer CSA duration was associated with utilization of internalized and avoidant coping, and maternal blame/doubt predicted the use of avoidant coping. Girls utilized angry coping more frequently than boys. CSA characteristics and abuse stress were largely unrelated to children's perceived coping efficacy. Minority children reported higher levels of perceived efficacy of internalized strategies than white children. Conclusions: CSA duration may be important in understanding children's utilization of internalized and avoidant coping strategies and maternal blame/doubt may be related to children's use of avoidant coping. However, CSA characteristics and abuse stress may ultimately have little bearing on sexually abused children's use and perceived efficacy of coping strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence suggests that adults with a history of childhood maltreatment, the experience of emotional or physical neglect and/or abuse within the family during childhood, have blunted reward and stress processing, and higher risk of depression. The mu opioid receptor rich nucleus accumbens and amygdala are critical to reward and stress processing respectively. We hypothesized that nucleus accumbens and amygdala mu opioid receptor densities and activity (change in receptor binding due to endogenous opioid release or receptor conformation change) were negatively associated with childhood maltreatment in healthy young adults. Maltreatment was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Healthy participants, n = 75 (52% female) completed [11C]carfentanil positron emission tomography imaging labeling mu opioid receptors. The relationship between CTQ score and binding potential (BPND, proportional to density of unoccupied receptors) was evaluated with a linear mixed effects model. No significant relationship was found between CTQ score and BPND (f = 3.28; df = 1, 73; p = 0.074) or change in BPND (activity) (t = 1.48; df = 198.3; p = 0.14). This is the first investigation of mu opioid receptors in those with childhood maltreatment. We did not identify a significant relationship between mu opioid receptor dynamics and severity of maltreatment in those without psychopathology. Because this cohort has a low CTQ score average, this may indicate that those with low severity of maltreatment may not have associated changes in mu opioid receptor dynamics. Future directions include evaluating a cohort with increased severity of childhood maltreatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Childhood trauma (CT) exposure is common, with many young people affected by multiple co-occurring traumas. Methods: Participants were a representative sample of 11–19-year-olds (n = 1293), who participated in the largest ever representative survey of youth mental health in Northern Ireland (NI) – the NI Youth Wellbeing Prevalence Survey 2020. This study used latent class analysis (LCA) to identify typologies that were most representative of trauma experience and co-occurrence among young people living in NI. Demographic, parental and deprivation variables were then used within a multinomial logistic regression analysis to describe trauma class membership. Results: Over 35% (n = 478) of participants reported exposure to at least one CT, with over 50% (n = 259) of trauma-exposed young people reporting multiple trauma exposure. LCA results provided support for a three-class model; 'low-exposure', 'moderate-exposure: community-victimization' and 'high-exposure: sexual-trauma'. While none of the child, parental or familial covariates differentiated members of the 'moderate-exposure: community-victimization' from 'low-exposure', those in 'high-exposure: sexual-trauma' were over four and a half times more likely to belong to a family in receipt of income benefits and over ten times more likely to have experienced some form of out-of-home care. Conclusions: This study highlights the presence of three distinct trauma classes in the NI adolescent population. In particular, this study identifies a small minority of young people who have experienced multiple CT's, including sexually based traumas, with these traumas most likely to have occurred in the context of out-of-home care and familial poverty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rape/sexual assault can profoundly affect the physical, mental, and social well-being of victims. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and suicide in rape/sexual assault survivors are significantly more frequent than the national prevalence of the condition, indicating that existing treatments require improvement. In this case report, we presented an 11-year-old Iranian girl with PTSD and suicidal behaviors following rape/sexual assault. We specifically focused on the process of helping the victim to develop effective coping skills and overcome the trauma through 16 weekly sessions of Skill Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) plus Narrative Therapy-Adolescent Version (SNT-A). During this therapeutic approach, the patient regained emotional control over the traumatic experience and made sense of the experience. Our findings revealed that SNT-A might be an effective intervention to reduce suicidal ideation among adolescent victims of rape/sexual assault. Nonetheless, further investigations in this field need to be carried out through randomized controlled trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there are no official data and published studies on clergy-perpetrated sexual abuse (CPSA) from Ghana, local media reports continue to show worrying trends of the phenomenon. We drew on 73 media reports from January 2000 to March 2019, to describe the offence characteristics and profiles of the perpetrators and survivors of CPSA in Ghana. The findings showed females aged 10–19 as predominant survivors. The perpetrators were all males found guilty of lone rape, incest, defilement, indecent assault, sodomy, attempted rape, or gang rape. A preventive measure could involve streamlining the recruitment, training, and leadership structures of the church. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper discusses two key strategies detailing how "relationship-focused" and "trauma-informed" intervention practices, which form the basis of an Australian therapeutic program called Treatment and Care for Kids (TrACK), made a difference in the lives of highly traumatised children. The TrACK program fosters highly traumatised children who, due to the complexity of their trauma needs, cannot be placed in traditional generalist foster care. Case files of 48 children were reviewed. Children were either current or former clients over a period of 18 years since the program was initiated. In analysing the data, we noticed that children who were once highly dysregulated in the domains of foster care placement, education, arousal regulation and peer relationships were now enjoying an enhanced level of stability in their lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and perinatal mental health and substance use among 98 low-income women (mean age 25.4 years; 93% Black/African American) referred to a mental health care manager in an urban women's clinic. Self-report and retrospective chart review data were utilized. Chi-squared and Fisher's Exact tests were performed to assess bivariate relationships between ACEs and mental health and substance use outcomes. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to examine the impact of ACEs on mental health and substance use, adjusting for marital status, education, and age. Findings indicate high levels of childhood adversity, specifically childhood abuse, are associated with negative perinatal mental health and substance use outcomes, including suicidal thoughts, anxiety, mood dysregulation, and tobacco and marijuana use. Inquiring about ACEs during prenatal care and/or in community health clinics may help identify patients' overall risk and provide opportunities for intervention for mothers and their infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the relationship between children's exposure to IPV and EBD among children involved in the child welfare system for suspected maltreatment (both substantiated and unsubstantiated). It specifically examines how children's trauma symptoms, maternal depression, and maternal social support may impact the relationship between exposure to IPV and EBD. This study uses structural equation modeling with data from the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Wellbeing to examine the relationship between exposure to IPV and EBD among 989 children (ages 8–17) involved in the child welfare system. Moderated mediation was employed to examine whether children's trauma symptoms mediate the relationship between IPV exposure and EBD and whether differences in maternal depression and social support impact such mediation effect. Child trauma symptoms and maternal social support were significantly related to EBD. The current study highlights the relationship between children's trauma symptoms and EBD among children in the child welfare system. The study also provides preliminary evidence for maternal social support as a protective factor for children developing EBD. Implications of this research include providing interventions as well as increasing maternal social support to potentially reduce the likelihood of children developing EBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This prospective population-based study explored whether mothers who maltreat had different risk and protective factors than mothers who don't including the mother's age when they had their first child, the number of births, marital status, whether the mothers were maltreated as a child and race. This study used data from the Queensland Cross-sector Research Collaboration (QCRC) repository, which included 18,019 mothers born in Queensland during 1983 or 1984 who were aged between 30 or 31 years at the time of data extraction. Mothers were categorised as maltreating (n = 998) or non-maltreating (n = 17,021) based on whether they had substantiated contact with the child protection system, and differences in risk/protective factors were explored. Results indicated that mothers who maltreat were more likely than mothers who don't to have their first child at a younger age, significantly more children, less likely to be married, more likely to be Indigenous, and more likely to have experienced childhood maltreatment. Implications for policy and practice are discussed, including the need for culturally appropriate home visitation programmes and parenting programmes to reduce the likelihood of child maltreatment perpetration. Highlights: The Queensland population-based, longitudinal linked administrative dataset was used to create a comparison groups of mothers who maltreat and those who don't. There were significant differences between the two groups based on the risk/protective factors associated with whether there was child maltreatment across the lifecourse. The results showed significant correlations among all risk/protective factors associated with child maltreatment across the lifecourse. The strongest predictor of child maltreatment perpetration was the mother's history of maltreatment victimisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to poor adult health (Felitti et al. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258, 1998; Brown et al. BMC Public Health, 10, 20, 2010). Research on ACEs exposure in college students is lacking. This study examined the impact of ACEs, health risk behaviors, and resiliency factors on objective and subjective measures of health in college students. ACEs and health risk behaviors emerged as significant predictors of health problems. However, when resiliency factors were accounted for, gender and life satisfaction were the only significant predictors of health problems. Likewise, ACEs score and health risk behaviors emerged as significant predictors of self-rated health. However, when resiliency factors were accounted for, gender, social support, and affect were the only significant predictors of self-rated health. Life satisfaction mediated the relationship between ACE score and health problems. Findings suggest that ACEs exposure has a lasting impact on health. The ability of resiliency factors to predict health has important implications for working with college students. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among their many responsibilities, foster parents are tasked with providing healthy food and proper nutrition to children with a variety of physical, psychological, and emotional needs. Using the lens of symbolic interactionism, this exploratory mixed methods study examined how foster parents attend to the nutritional needs of abused and neglected children. Methods used included both quantitative surveys and qualitative follow-up interviews. Surveys were completed by 23 foster parents in a large, Midwest metropolitan area. Parents reported they provided their children balanced meals, although one-third of households reported instances of food insecurity. During qualitative interviews, foster parents ( N = 9) described how children arrived at their home with a variety of unhealthy eating habits, some severe in nature. Parents discussed strategies used to modify and improve eating patterns, including offering healthy food choices, having children plan meals, and gathering as a family for daily dinners. In general, parents understood the link between unhealthy eating and past childhood trauma, but also reported being unprepared for more serious eating problems like hoarding. Findings indicate that foster parents need food assistance to increase food security as well as training in assessing and responding a variety of unhealthy child eating behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child maltreatment is prognostically associated with long-term detrimental consequences for mental health. These consequences are reflected in higher costs due to health service utilization and productivity losses in adulthood. An above-average sense of mastery can have protective effects in the pathogenesis of mental disorders and thus potentially cushion adverse impacts of maltreatment. This should be reflected in lower costs in individuals with a history of child maltreatment and a high sense of mastery. The aims of the study were to prognostically estimate the excess costs of health service uptake and productivity losses in adults with a history of child maltreatment and to evaluate how mastery may act as an effect modifier. Data were used on 5618 individuals participating in the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study (NEMESIS). We focussed on measures of child maltreatment (emotional neglect, physical, psychological and sexual abuse) and economic costs owing to health-care uptake and productivity losses when people with a history of abuse have grown into adulthood. We evaluated how mastery acted as an effect modifier. Estimates were adjusted for demographics and parental psychopathology. Post-stratification weights were used to account for initial non-response and dropout. Due to the non-normal distribution of the costs data, sample errors, 95 % confidence intervals, and p values were calculated using non-parametric bootstrapping (1000 replications). Exposure to child maltreatment occurs frequently (6.9-24.8 %) and is associated with substantial excess costs in adulthood. To illustrate, adjusted annual excess costs attributable to emotional neglect are €1,360 (95 % CI: 615-215) per adult. Mastery showed a significant effect on these figures: annual costs were €1,608 in those with a low sense of mastery, but only €474 in those with a firmer sense of mastery. Child maltreatment has profound mental health consequences and is associated with staggering long-term economic costs, rendering lack of action very costly. Our data lends credibility to the hypothesis that mastery may help to cushion the adverse consequences of child maltreatment. Further research on mastery may help to ameliorate individual burden and in addition offer some economic benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study related to trauma experiences of deaf individuals and alignment of the experiences with trauma in the hearing population; and mentions that the commonly reported traumas were physical assault and sudden unexpected deaths.

The five-minute speech sample is an indirect measure of familial emotional climate, measuring the degree of criticism and/or emotional over-involvement a parent displays while describing a child. Originally developed for parents of adult children with chronic mental illness, the five-minute speech sample has more recently been used among parents of younger children, with inconsistent results. The first aim was to investigate the five-minute speech sample as a measure of parenting perceptions for nonclinical youth by analyzing relations of criticism and emotional over-involvement with self-reported and observed measures of parenting behavior in a diverse community sample of mothers ( N = 64) with school-age children ( M = 9.48). Self-reported emotion socialization behaviors and observed parenting practices were correlated with criticism and emotional over-involvement ratings. The second aim was to analyze criticism and emotional over-involvement as mediators in a relationship between a mother's history of maltreatment and her parenting behaviors. Findings indicated that criticism and emotional over-involvement are related to observed and self-reported parenting behaviors, though emotional over-involvement appears to be an aspect of positive parenting in this youth sample. All subtypes of maltreatment were correlated with significantly less emotionally supportive behaviors, but not with more unsupportive behaviors. Higher levels of emotional over-involvement significantly mediated the relationship between a history of sexual abuse and supportive and unsupportive parenting practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This report presents narrative data of adult men self-identifying as victims of sexual abuse occurring in childhood or adolescence (CSA). Preliminary data were derived from written public stories posted by men to the Internet (n = 90). Many of these accounts indicate same-sex sexual abuse (male victim, male perpetrator). The primary research question: "how have adult male victims of childhood sexual abuse constructed written narratives of victimization?" The men in this study who posted public narratives about their sexual abuse demonstrated evidence in of two (turmoil and taking control) of six life course themes uncovered by Draucker and Martsolf (2010). Two temporally related additional subthemes emerged within the category "taking control": during the abusive event/relationship and after abuse in adulthood. Understanding how male victims organize and make sense of the trajectory of their victim and/or survivor identity may contribute to a more integrated healing for victims. This could also shape programs for outreach and support. The result of the study would aid in the development of diagnostic tools and frameworks for interviewing abuse victims who are not publicly presenting or formally reporting their stories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which investigated the presence of gender differences among men and women who experienced childhood abuse with respect to their romantic relationship adjustment as adults.

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Childhood physical abuse predicts emotional/behavioral, self-regulatory, and social problems. Yet factors from multiple ecological levels contribute to children's adjustment. The purpose of this study was to examine the degree to which the social-emotional adjustment of physically abused children in first grade would be predicted by a set of child-, parent-, and family-level predictors in kindergarten. Drawing on a short-term longitudinal study of 92 physically abused children and their primary caregivers, the current study used linear regression to examine early childhood child (i.e., gender, IQ, child perceptions of maternal acceptance), parent (i.e., parental mental health), and family relationship (i.e., sensitive parenting, hostile parenting, family conflict) factors as predictors of first grade internalizing and externalizing symptomatology, emotion dysregulation, and negative peer interactions. We used a multi-method, multi-informant approach to measuring predictors and children's adjustment. Internalizing symptomatology was significantly predicted by child IQ, parental mental health, and family conflict. Externalizing symptomatology and emotion dysregulation were predicted by child IQ. Although a large proportion of variance in measures of adjustment was accounted for by the set of predictors, few individual variables were unique predictors of child adjustment. Variability in the predictors of adjustment for physically abused children underscores the need for individualized treatment approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One aspect of women's interpersonal functioning that may be affected by child sexual abuse (CSA) is parenting. The purpose of our study was to examine parenting profiles among women (N = 264) with/without histories of CSA. We performed a latent profile analysis (LPA) to establish profile membership based on women's self-reported measures of parenting competence and stress. The best fitting model consisted of a three-class solution representing profiles of low competence/high stress (Class 1: 20.83 %), average competence and stress (Class 2: 59.85 %) and high competence/low stress (Class 3: 19.32 %). We also performed a multinomial logistic regression utilizing the estimates generated from the LPA to examine additional correlates of class membership. Our results revealed that women with a history of CSA were represented in all three classes; yet, there was no significant difference in women with histories of CSA across the three classes and CSA was not associated with class membership. We found that daily living hassles, women's sense of personal mastery, acceptability of their child and having a partner were associated with class membership. Membership in Class 1 (low competence/high stress) was predicted by higher scores on daily hassles and lower scores on acceptability of child, compared to Class 2. There were three variables that predicted membership in Class 3, compared to Class 2: personal mastery, acceptability of child and having a partner. None of the other variables were significantly associated with class membership, including a history of CSA. Our findings indicate that regardless of CSA history, all women have strengths and capabilities which should be enhanced in order to promote parenting competence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Against the background of limited research on intrafamilial child sexual abuse responses in resource-constrained settings, this study evaluated the multisectoral response to intrafamilial child sexual abuse by the Victim-Friendly Court initiative in Marondera District, Zimbabwe. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from twenty-five professionals from the thirteen agencies implementing the Victim-Friendly Court initiative in the district. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen community-level participants comprising child survivors of intrafamilial child sexual abuse and their caregivers, plus key community child protection committee members. All participants were purposively selected. Court records of intrafamilial child sexual abuse cases handled by the Victim-Friendly Court initiative in Marondera, Zimbabwe, between January 2014 and December 2014 were also reviewed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis, document analysis and descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the multisectoral approach used by the Victim-Friendly Court in Marondera, Zimbabwe, is effective in addressing the complex and ever-evolving factors associated with intrafamilial child sexual abuse in the district. However, it also established several challenges which negatively impacted the Victim-Friendly Court's efforts to address this problem. The study recommended several policy and practice responses to address these challenges. It also submitted that continuous research and collection of better statistics on intrafamilial child sexual abuse are important for development of evidence-based policies and decisions and for better monitoring of progress and evaluation of outcomes. Ultimately, supporting the Victim-Friendly Court initiative in Marondera, Zimbabwe, is important for a more responsive and sustainable multisectoral response to intrafamilial child sexual abuse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Domestic violence shelter advocates closely guard the confidentiality of survivors in their shelter programs, yet they are simultaneously mandated reporters of child abuse and neglect. The mandate to report child abuse and neglect may include a child's exposure to domestic violence, which may be disclosed when assessing danger for program entry. The purpose of this study is to understand what decision making factors influence domestic violence shelter advocates' decision to override survivor's confidentiality and report child abuse and neglect. A survey of 142 domestic violence shelter advocates found that advocates that holistically consider the impact of reporting are less inclined to report child abuse and neglect. At the same time, advocates who perceive that their agency has a better relationship with child protective services are more inclined to report child abuse and neglect. Implications of these findings are discussed in relation to research, policy and practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prostitution diversion program participants who have experienced lifelong patterns of abuse, including child polyvictimization and later adult victimization, may exhibit greater trauma symptomatology than participants who have not experienced lifelong abuse. If true, these participants may face unique barriers to successful program completion as a result of their increased trauma symptomatology. This calls into question whether incarceration is an appropriate sanction for program failure. Data from a prostitution diversion program located in Houston, Texas, was used to conduct a series of bivariate analyses that examined whether participants who had experienced multiple types of child abuse: (1) were more criminally involved, (2) were more likely to report adult victimization, and (3) exhibited greater trauma symptomatology relative to program participants who had never experienced child abuse, or only experienced a single type. Participants who had experienced multiple types of child abuse were more likely to report adult victimization and greater trauma symptomatology relative to participants who had not experienced any child abuse. The prostitution diversion program examined in this study contained a subgroup of participants who had experienced multiple types of child abuse, possessed an increased risk of adult victimization, and reported greater trauma symptomatology. These participants are trauma survivors, and may face unique barriers to program completion. Consequently, incarceration is a misguided sanction for program failure, as it may lead to further traumatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood events (ACE's) have been empirically related to a wide range of negative health and mental health outcomes. However, not all individuals who experience ACE's follow a trajectory of poor outcomes, and not all individuals perceive the impact of ACE's as necessarily negative. The purpose of this study was to investigate positive and negative affect as predictors of adults' ratings of both the childhood and adult impact of their childhood adversity. Self-report data on ACE experiences, including number, severity, and 'impact' were collected from 158 community members recruited on the basis of having adverse childhood experiences. Results indicated that, regardless of event severity and number of different types of adverse events experienced, high levels of negative affect were the strongest predictor of whether the adult impact of the adverse childhood events was rated as negative. All individuals rated the childhood impact of events the same. Implications are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The relationship between childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) and adverse health-related outcomes is well-documented in the literature. However, mediators of such relationships are not fully understood. The present study examined alexithymia as a potential mediator of the relationship between CEM and somatic complaints in young adults. A sample of 270 undergraduates completed self-report questionnaires assessing CEM, alexithymia, and somatic complaints. All variables were moderately intercorrelated. Controlling for the effects of sex, path analyses supported a model in which alexithymia partially mediated the relationship between CEM and somatic complaints. This study provides further evidence for the occurrence and lasting sequelae of CEM in a sample of young adults. It also illuminates the role of emotions in the relationship between CEM and somatic complaints, suggesting that interventions emphasizing affective education may lessen somatic complaints. Individual differences in CEM and other mediators warrant further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While many studies have observed a positive association between maltreatment in childhood and criminality in adolescence and adulthood, others have failed to detect such an association. Most studies, however, have not examined different types of maltreatment, nor taken account of other family and childhood factors that are predictive of criminality. Using data from a prospective, longitudinal investigation of a community sample of 1,037 males, we calculated hierarchical logistic regression models to estimate the associations of boys' self-reports of neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse at ages 10 and 12, with convictions for criminal offenses from age 12 to 24, after taking account of conduct problems, hurtful and uncaring behaviours (HUB), and parent's criminality. At ages 10 and 12, boys' reports of neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse, were not associated with criminal convictions for non-violent or for violent crimes from age 12 to 24. Among boys who did not engage in HUB towards others reports of emotional abuse were associated with subsequent criminality, while this association disappeared among the boys engaging in such behaviours. In this community sample of males, levels of each type of maltreatment were low and there were no direct associations with subsequent criminal convictions. The findings add to emerging evidence that the characteristics of the child and parents, as well as the type of maltreatment modify the association with future criminal offending. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to adverse events in childhood is a predictor of subsequent exposure to adverse events in adulthood, and both are predictors of depression in adults. The degree to which adult depression has a direct effect of childhood adversity versus an indirect effect mediated by adult adversity has not previously been reported. We report data collected from 210 adult participants regarding childhood and adult adversity and current symptoms of depression. Mediation of the relationship between childhood adversity and adult depression by adult adversity was statistically assessed to evaluate the relative direct and indirect effects of childhood adversity on current depression levels in adults. Both the direct effect of childhood adversity on adult depression and the indirect effect, mediated by adulthood events, were significant. Therefore, partial mediation of the relationship between childhood adversity and adult symptoms of depression by adult adverse events was found in the sample. Implications for treatment are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MPOWER programme is a resource oriented intervention to support children and young people (CYP) affected by domestic violence and abuse. It draws on principles from feminist informed systemic family practice and creative therapies. The intervention was delivered in 4 European countries (Greece, Italy, Spain and England), reaching 58 CYP. This paper reports on young participants' wellbeing outcomes and perceptions of the intervention. Participants completed the Children's Outcome Rating Scale, and the Children's Group Session Rating Scale (Duncan et al. Journal of Brief Therapy, 3, 3–12, 2003). A descriptive analysis of this data suggests improvement in subjective wellbeing as CYP moved through this programme. Qualitative interviews were also conducted with 21 CYP, exploring their experience of the group intervention and of its impact. These interviews were analysed thematically (Braun and Clark Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101, 2006). Three themes are discussed: These were "Working Together: Building Trust and Sharing Common Experiences"; "Disclosures, creativity and working with emotions"; and "Roots and Branches: Working with relationships". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although research has suggested that mothers who experienced childhood maltreatment tend to exhibit heightened risk for attachment difficulties with their young children, less is known about the mechanisms underlying this association. Thus, this study examined mothers' symptoms of depression as a mediator in the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences and patterns of insecure (i.e., anxious, avoidant, and disorganized) mother-young child attachment. Mothers (N = 146) with children aged 1½-to 5-years provided ratings of their childhood maltreatment experiences, attachment with their young children, and symptoms of depression. Mothers' symptoms of depression mediated significantly the relationship between mothers' childhood maltreatment experiences and patterns of insecure mother-young child attachment. These findings suggested that symptoms of depression in the context of mothers' childhood maltreatment may be related more directly to mother-young child attachment than childhood maltreatment experiences alone. These results demonstrated the importance of promoting trauma-informed parenting interventions for facilitating secure emotional connections between mothers and their young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A history of childhood maltreatment (HCM) has been associated with detrimental psychiatric outcomes. This is particularly true for transgender, for whom there is initial evidence that HCM may be associated with psychiatric morbidity. Our study aimed to further characterize the relationship between HCM and the development of mental disorder in adult life, based on a sample of Brazilian transgender women. Cross-sectional data were collected from a consecutive sample of 289 transgender women who attended the Hospital Clínicas clinic for gender dysphoria, in Porto Alegre, between 1998 and 2014. Our results demonstrated a greater risk of deteriorating mental health amongst participants who had experienced HCM. Given the disproportionally high rate of HCM in transgender persons, we advocate for greater assistance for transgender persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as sexual and physical abuse, have been established as risk factors for the development of disordered gambling. The underlying mechanism by which ACEs influence disordered gambling, however, remains unknown. The aims of the present research were to comprehensively investigate ten types of childhood adversity and their relationships to disordered gambling in adulthood, and to test whether emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between ACEs and disordered gambling. A sample of community gamblers (N = 414) completed self-report measures of ACEs, emotion dysregulation, and gambling severity. Results revealed a significant association between all but one type (physical abuse) of ACEs and disordered gambling. Further, the results highlighted the cumulative impact of ACEs on gambling. Specifically, individuals who experienced three or more types of ACEs were more than three times as likely to report disordered gambling as compared to individuals with no history of childhood adversity. Importantly, as hypothesized, emotion dysregulation mediated the relationship between ACEs and disordered gambling. Findings from this research describe the association between ACEs and gambling and indicate a causal link between childhood adversity and disordered gambling. Results suggest that treatment initiatives may do well to address both ACEs and emotion dysregulation in the treatment of problem gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the results of previous investigations, this study seeks for individual, relationship and community characteristics among women living with their partner associated with intimate partner violence [IPV] victimization. The sample of 19,131 women was taken from the 2016 Peru Demographic and Health Survey. A binomial logistic regression model showed among the most significant risk factors: heavy drinking by the woman's partner (OR = 8.655, p < .001), having witnessed parental domestic violence (OR = 1.496, p < .001) and having experienced physical punishment during childhood (OR = 1.306, p < .001). Other factors related to higher odds of IPV at the individual level include employment and low educational attainment. Relationship risk factors comprise, 25 to 29 years of relationship duration, living in cohabitation, previous unions and low socioeconomic status. At the community level, living in an urban residence increases the likelihood of abuse. These findings highlight the need to include these factors, in the IPV prevention strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous research suggests that childhood maltreatment is associated with the onset of eating disorders (ED). In turn, EDs are associated with alternative psychopathologies such as depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and with suicidality. Moreover, it has been reported that various ED profiles may exist. The aim of the current study was to examine the profiles of disordered eating and the associations of these with childhood maltreatment and with mental health psychopathology.Methods: The current study utilised a representative sample of English females (N = 4206) and assessed for the presence of disordered eating profiles using Latent Class Analysis. Multinomial logistic regression was implemented to examine the associations of childhood sexual and physical abuse with the disordered eating profiles and the associations of these with PTSD, depression and suicidality.Results: Results supported those of previous findings in that we found five latent classes of which three were regarded as disordered eating classes. Significant relationships were found between these and measures of childhood trauma and mental health outcomes.Conclusions: Childhood sexual and physical abuse increased the likelihood of membership in disordered eating classes and these in turn increased the likelihood of adverse mental health and suicidal outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As emotional security theory has recently been extended to understand recovery from interpersonal violence, the present study aimed to understand whether and to what extent trauma-specific aspects of the family environment (caregiver responses to disclosure, non-disclosure) and more general aspects of the family environment (interparental conflict, parental invalidation of emotions) explained variance in emotional security in the family in a sample of emerging adults with a history of interpersonal violence (physical or sexual abuse or assault). Results indicated that substantiated aspects of the interparental subsystem (interparental conflict) and parent-child subsystem (parental invalidation of emotions) predicted all three aspects of emotional security (preoccupation, disengagement, and security) in regression models where trauma-specific variables were included. Additionally, non-supportive caregiver response to disclosed trauma also accounted for significant variance in felt security, supporting the idea that problematic caregiver responses to traumatic events can erode emotional security for survivors of interpersonal violence, in addition to broader patterns in the interparental and parent-child subsystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]