Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2025

Psychophysiological Assessment of the Effectiveness of Emotion Regulation Strategies in Childhood
Published on: February 11, 2017
Indirect Effects of Childhood Maltreatment on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms via Emotion Regulation
Rebecca E Sistad Hall1,2, Raluca M Simons2, Jeffrey S Simons2
1U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, MN, USA rebecca.sistad@usd.edu.
Abstract:
This study tested structural equation models of associations between childhood maltreatment (CM), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and emotion regulation (ER) difficulties in a sample of young adult college students (N = 606). The primary final model demonstrated that lack of emotional clarity and limited access to ER strategies partially mediated the association between CM and PTSD symptoms. Exploratory analyses showed that CM was also indirectly associated with PTSD symptoms via lack of emotional awareness, nonacceptance, and difficulty controlling impulses. A near-equivalent model revealed reverse associations: PTSD symptoms mediated the association between CM and ER difficulties. The current study provided some empirical evidence to the theoretical sequence of ER and replicated indirect effects of CM on PTSD symptoms via ER difficulties.
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,...
Socioemotional Development during Infancy
Primary Temperament Types
Coping Strategies: Emotion Focused
Repressed Memory
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychological Responses to Stress

