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Toward a multi-level approach to the study of the intergenerational transmission of trauma: Current findings and future directions
(Development and Psychopathology, 2024) Beeghly, M.
A central goal in the field of developmental psychopathology is to evaluate the complex, dynamic transactions occurring among biological,
psychological, and broader social-cultural contexts that predict adaptive and maladaptive outcomes across ontogeny. Here, I briefly review
research on the effects of a history of childhood maltreatment on parental, child, and dyadic functioning, along with more recent studies on the
intergenerational transmission of trauma. Because the experience and sequelae of child maltreatment and the intergenerational transmission
of trauma are embedded in complex biopsychosocial contexts, this research is best conceptualized in a developmental psychopathology
framework. Moreover, there is a pressing need for investigators in this area of study to adopt dynamic, multi-level perspectives as well as using
developmentally guided, sophisticated research methods. Other directions for research in this field are suggested, including the
implementation of collaborative interdisciplinary team science approaches, as well as community-based participatory research, to increase
representation, inclusion, and equity of community stakeholders. A greater focus on cultural and global perspectives is also recommended.
Investigating the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment and teen dating violence victimization
(Journal of Psychiatric Research, 2024) Théorêt, V., Hébert, É., & Hébert, M.
Background
Childhood maltreatment is increasingly recognized as an important risk factor for teen dating violence (TDV) victimization. However, far too little research has studied the mechanisms that could explain this higher risk of revictimization. The present study investigated the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment, TDV victimization occurrence and chronicity, and TDV-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Methods
A total of 2787 adolescents, aged 13 to 19, completed measures of childhood maltreatment and alexithymia at Time 1 and TDV victimization and TDV-related PTSD symptoms at Time 2 (6 months later). Two mediational models were tested to examine the role of alexithymia as a risk factor for revictimization: one with TDV occurrence as an outcome and the other with TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms as outcomes.
Results
Findings suggest that cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with an increased probability of TDV occurrence through alexithymia. Cumulative childhood maltreatment and alexithymia are also associated with TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms – meaning that, among adolescent victims of TDV, cumulative childhood maltreatment is associated with higher levels of alexithymia, which, in turn, predicts higher TDV chronicity and TDV-related PTSD symptoms.
Limitations
This study relied on abbreviated measures of the different constructs and did not include all forms of child maltreatment (e.g., emotional and physical neglect).
Conclusions
Promoting emotional awareness and identification among youth victims of child maltreatment could reduce the risk of TDV occurrence, TDV chronicity, and TDV-related PTSD symptoms.PTSD
Atlanta Youth Count 2018 Community Report: The Prevalence of Sex and Labor Trafficking Among Homeless Youth in Metro Atlanta
(Georgia State University, 2019) Wright, E., LaBoy, A., Turner, M., Forge, N., Wallace, C., Darkwa, A., ... & Shelby, R.
The 2018 Atlanta Youth Count (AYC18) was a follow-up study to the 2015 Atlanta
Youth Count and Needs Assessment (AYCNA), expanded in 2018 to specifically address sex
and labor trafficking among youth experiencing homelessness in metro Atlanta. The goals of
this project were to: 1) provide metro Atlanta service providers, policymakers, and youth
advocates with practical information on the size, nature, and needs of the homeless,
precariously housed, and runaway youth in our community who are involved in various forms
of sex and labor trafficking; 2) collect information that can be used to develop and refine
policies, programs, and interventions to help these youth in our community; and 3)
encourage a community-wide dialogue about the needs and social determinants of youth
homelessness and human trafficking. This study was funded by the National Institute of
Justice and was conducted in partnership with local service providers, advocates, researchers,
and students.
Feasibility of a screening tool for sex trafficking in an adult emergency department
(Academic emergency medicine, 2021) Kaltiso, S. A. O., Greenbaum, V. J., Moran, T. P., Osborne, A. D., Korniotes, J., Marazzi, G., & Clery, M.
Background: Human trafficking (HT) is a human rights violation and public health
issue. People with a history of HT are likely to see a physician during their exploitation. A screening tool was developed and implemented in a busy urban emergency
department (ED) to aid in the identification of this population.
Objective: The objective was to retrospectively assess a HT screening tool implemented in an urban ED and evaluate the feasibility of the tool as a component of
standard emergency care.
Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted at an urban adult
ED after the implementation of an original 11-item HT screening tool. Adult patients
18 years and older were screened based on high-risk chief complaints, “red flag” risk
factors, or provider gestalt. All patients with a positive screen were offered the opportunity to speak to a social worker, who then determined the patients’ likely trafficking status. Data analysis was performed on this group of patients.
Results: A total of 26,974 patients were screened in the ED during 2019. Of these
patients, 189 of them had a positive screen. A total of 37 patients were confirmed to
have a likely sex trafficking status based on the federal definition. Eight of these patients elected to go to a community partner safe house. Positive responses to eight of
the questions were significantly associated with likely sex trafficking status. Through
regularized regression analysis, the predictive power of the screen was found to be
derived from seven of the questions.
Conclusion: Through the implementation of this screening tool, providers in a busy
urban ED were able to identify patients with an experience of sex trafficking and offer
them resources using a trauma-informed approach. This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementation of screening in the ED and identifies seven of the questions
used as predictive of likely sex trafficking.
The STS Blueprint: A Guide to Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress in Children’s Advocacy Centers
(Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center, 2024) Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center
CAC professionals are regularly exposed to child trauma as part of their work, and this exposure can lead to Secondary Traumatic Stress, which can have negative impacts on CAC professionals and organizations if left unaddressed. The STS Blueprint: A Guide to Addressing Secondary Traumatic Stress in Children’s Advocacy Centers was designed to help CACs develop an organizational plan to address secondary traumatic stress (STS) among CAC staff.
The STS Blueprint outlines the need for a tool like this and describes the importance of an organizational health approach. It covers six domains, including:
Domain 1: Resilience-Building Staff, Health, and Wellness
Domain 2: Creating and Sustaining a Safe and Supportive Culture
Domain 3: STS-Informed Policies and Procedures
Domain 4: STS-Informed Leadership and Supervision
Domain 5: STS-Informed Training
Domain 6: Organizational Evaluation and Monitoring