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Family Function and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis

Yingying Ye1, Yifan Li1, Shuxian Jin2

  • 1Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.

Trauma, Violence & Abuse
|October 13, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Good family functioning is linked to lower rates of childhood post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Specific aspects like affect, communication, and cohesion are protective, while conflict increases PTSD risk.

Area of Science:

  • Child and Adolescent Psychology
  • Mental Health Research
  • Family Studies

Background:

  • Family functioning significantly impacts children's mental health outcomes.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a critical concern in pediatric populations.
  • The relationship between family dynamics and childhood PTSD requires comprehensive investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct the first meta-analysis on the association between family function and childhood PTSD.
  • To identify specific family function elements that correlate with PTSD risk in children and adolescents.
  • To explore moderators influencing the family function-PTSD relationship.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic search identified 31 studies (8,684 children) published between 1980 and 2021.
  • A three-level meta-analysis was employed to synthesize the data.
  • Moderator analyses examined variations based on trauma type and assessment scales.

Main Results:

  • Overall family function showed a negative association with PTSD (r = -0.205).
  • Positive family affect, communication, and cohesion were linked to reduced PTSD.
  • Increased family conflict was associated with higher PTSD symptoms, while flexibility showed no significant association.

Conclusions:

  • Family function is a significant protective factor against childhood PTSD.
  • Interventions targeting family affect, communication, cohesion, and conflict can mitigate PTSD risk.
  • Tailoring interventions to specific family dynamics and trauma types is recommended.

Keywords:
children and adolescentsfamily functionmeta-analysispost-traumatic stress disorder

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