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The Relationship between Traumatic Life Events and Hoarding Symptoms: A Multi-Method Approach
Ashley M Shaw1, Sara M Witcraft2, Kiara R Timpano1
1a Department of Psychology , University of Miami 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd. , Coral Gables , USA.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
|February 20, 2016
Summary
Trauma frequency, especially physical or sexual, correlated with increased acquiring tendencies in hoarding disorder research. However, trauma was not linked to saving behaviors or self-reported hoarding symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatric Research
Background:
- Hoarding Disorder involves persistent difficulties discarding possessions, leading to clutter.
- Previous studies suggest trauma may contribute to hoarding, but hypothetical paradigms haven't been used to explore this link.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between traumatic events and hoarding symptoms using both self-report and hypothetical measures.
- To determine if trauma frequency predicts hoarding symptoms, acquiring, and saving tendencies.
Main Methods:
- Undergraduate students (N=80) completed self-report measures for hoarding symptoms and trauma.
- Hypothetical measures assessed participants' acquiring and saving tendencies related to hoarding.
Main Results:
- Higher trauma frequency, particularly physical/sexual trauma, was associated with greater hypothetical acquiring tendencies.
- Trauma frequency did not show a significant correlation with hypothetical saving tendencies or self-reported hoarding symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Trauma may influence the acquiring aspect of hoarding disorder, but not necessarily saving behaviors or overall self-reported symptoms.
- Further research with longitudinal designs and clinical samples is recommended to confirm trauma as a risk factor and inform interventions.
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