Investigating the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment and teen dating violence victimization
Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Psychiatric Research
Abstract
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
Description
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Article
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Keywords
dating violence, Alexithymia, child maltreatment, PTSD, Canada, International publications
Citation
Théorêt, V., Hébert, É., & Hébert, M. (2024). Investigating the role of alexithymia in the association between cumulative childhood maltreatment and teen dating violence victimization. Journal of Psychiatric Research.