Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Polar Histogram Visualization of Acute Stress Disorder Scale Scores for Comprehensive Clinical Assessment
Published on: December 6, 2024
The ripple effect of trauma: Evaluating vulnerability, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and aggression within a child
Laura Stoppelbein1, Elizabeth McRae2, Shana Smith3
1Children's Behavioral Health, 4 Dearth Tower, Children's of Alabama, 1600 7(th) Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA.
Background:
The deleterious effects of experiencing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), especially those associated with child abuse and neglect (CM-ACEs), is well documented. Two common behavioral and emotional concerns observed in children following CM-ACEs is post-traumatic stress and aggression. While support for cognitive models explaining both of these outcomes exists, little is known about any shared cognitive vulnerabilities that may explain the presence of both.
Objective:
The purpose of the current study was to evaluate a cognitive model of vulnerability/safety as a shared underlying mechanism for the development of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and aggression following the occurrence of CM-ACEs in children.
Methods:
Male youth between the ages of 6 and 14 attending school within a residential setting participated in a school-based performance improvement program. As a part of the program, data were collected on the child's history of abuse, PTSS, aggression, and feelings of safety and vulnerability.
Results:
The results of the SEM suggested that there was a significant serial indirect effect of vulnerability and PTSS on the relation between CM-ACEs and reactive aggression. This was not true for proactive aggression.
Discussion:
The current results suggest that that there may be a shared schema-based model in which feelings of vulnerability and cognitive models promoting the world as an unsafe place may contribute to the maintenance and development of both PTSS and reactive aggression among children who have experienced abuse/neglect.
Related Concept Videos
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Symptoms and Behavioral Manifestations
A spectrum of distressing symptoms characterizes PTSD. Recurrent flashbacks, where individuals involuntarily relive traumatic events,...
Bullying
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle
Psychological Responses to Stress
Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
Ethnic Identity within a Larger Culture

