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Childhood adversities and post-traumatic stress: predictive pathways through acute stress disorder
Josleen Al Barathie1, Majd Chamoun1, Rayane Osman1
1https://ror.org/04q71jj82Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon.
Bjpsych Open
|January 16, 2026
Summary
Childhood emotional abuse significantly predicts acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Early adversity screening is crucial, as survivors with no initial ASD may still develop PTSD.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Trauma can lead to mental health disorders like acute stress disorder (ASD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Childhood adversities profoundly impact an individual's response to later traumatic events.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between childhood adversities and the onset of full and subthreshold PTSD.
- To examine the potential intermediary role of ASD in this association.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal data collected from healthcare workers post-Beirut port blast (August 2020).
- Assessed childhood adversities (physical, emotional, sexual abuse), ASD, and PTSD using validated scales.
- Statistical analysis using odds ratios to determine associations.
Main Results:
- Childhood emotional abuse predicted ASD at 21-27 days post-blast.
- Emotional abuse predicted both full and subthreshold PTSD at 6-7 months post-blast.
- Individuals with prior emotional abuse showed doubled rates of subthreshold PTSD, even without initial ASD.
Conclusions:
- Childhood emotional abuse is a significant predictor of ASD and PTSD.
- Screening for childhood adversities is vital, even in individuals without current ASD.
- Past adversities increase vulnerability to subsequent PTSD development.
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