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Racial Differences in Children's Trauma Symptoms Following Complex Trauma Exposure
Rachel Wamser-Nanney1, Kathryn E Cherry1, Claudia Campbell1
1University of Missouri-St. Louis, USA.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence
|March 9, 2018
Summary
Racial differences in complex trauma exist. Black children experienced more trauma types, while White children showed higher internalizing symptoms, suggesting varied impacts of early life trauma.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Racial Disparities in Health
Background:
- Complex trauma, defined as early-life, chronic interpersonal trauma, leads to widespread dysregulation.
- Minority populations may face higher risks for trauma exposure and symptoms.
- Racial differences in complex trauma experiences and outcomes remain under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate racial disparities in children's complex trauma exposure.
- To examine racial differences in trauma-related outcomes among child survivors.
Main Methods:
- Study included 167 child survivors of complex trauma (ages 3-18).
- Data collected on trauma types, community violence, child protective custody, and symptom endorsement.
- Racial comparisons were made between Black and White children.
Main Results:
- Black children reported a greater number of trauma types, including community violence and child protective custody.
- Caregivers of White children reported higher internalizing symptoms and social concerns.
- Black children reported higher levels of sexual concerns compared to White children.
Conclusions:
- Complex trauma may present differently across racial groups in children.
- White children might be at higher risk for certain trauma-related difficulties, or their symptoms may be more readily acknowledged.
- Further research is needed on race, trauma disclosure, and symptom reporting.
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