Cognitive Outcomes of Children With Complex Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses of Longitudinal Studies
Date
2022
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Trauma, Violence, & Abuse
Abstract
Longitudinal studies have shown that children with complex trauma (i.e., exposure to multiple or repeated traumatic events of
an interpersonal nature) have poorer cognitive outcomes later in life than children without complex trauma. This association
may be moderated by the timing of the trauma, which may explain, in part, some heterogeneity in the findings reported across
previous investigations. The objective of the systematic review and meta-analyses was to compare the cognitive outcomes of
children with complex trauma and controls and to explore whether the timing of trauma (i.e., its onset and recency) moderated
this association. Electronic databases (APA PsycNET, Pubmed Central, ERIC, CINAHL, Embase) and gray literature were
systematically searched. To be included, studies had to (1) have a longitudinal design, (2) comprise children with complex trauma
and controls, and (3) include a cognitive assessment. Thirteen studies were identified. Meta-analyses were conducted to
compare children with complex trauma and controls, while subgroup analyses and meta-regressions explored the impact of
potential moderators. Children with complex trauma had poorer overall cognitive functioning than controls, and the timing of
trauma (early onset and, to a greater extent, recency of trauma) moderated this association. Thus, findings suggest that children
with complex trauma are at risk of cognitive difficulties quickly after trauma exposure. As such, systematic neuropsychological
assessment and interventions supporting the optimal development of cognitive functioning among children with complex
trauma should be investigated to determine whether prompt interventions lead to better cognitive functioning.
Description
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Keywords
child abuse, cognitive dysfunction, International Resources, Canada, longitudinal studies, meta-analysis
Citation
Matte-Landry, A., Grisé Bolduc, M. È., Tanguay-Garneau, L., Collin-Vézina, D., & Ouellet-Morin, I. (2022). Cognitive outcomes of children with complex trauma: a systematic review and meta-analyses of longitudinal studies. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 15248380221111484.