Identifying Treatment Targets for Children of Mothers Who Experienced Sexual Violence
2023 Award: $199,000
Children whose caregivers have been exposed to trauma are at high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this project, we will examine the factors that increase risk for and the factors that protect against the onset of PTSD among offspring of trauma-exposed caregivers. Findings from this study will support future work to develop novel programs to prevent and treat youth PTSD.
Need/Problem: Children whose caregivers are exposed to severe trauma are at high risk for developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Most research focuses on the adult who was exposed to trauma, and scarce research has examined when and how caregiver PTSD may lead to offspring PTSD. Thus, there is limited understanding of how to prevent and intervene in the development of PTSD in offspring of caregivers who experience trauma.
Grant Summary: We will examine the onset and development of PTSD among 100 mother-child dyads consisting of adult woman who received emergency care after sexual trauma and her offspring who is between the age of 6 and 12 years.
Goals and Projected Outcomes: This study will provide preliminary data on the factors that either increase risk for or the factor that protect against the development of PTSD among offspring when caregivers have been exposed to trauma. Data from this study will provide preliminary data for subsequent funding to develop and test novel prevention and treatment programs for children with PTSD.
Danielle Roubinov, PhD
Grant Details: Exposure to sexual violence occurs with alarming frequency. Large-scale representative surveys indicate that almost half (44%) of women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime. Experiencing such violence is associated with a nearly 10-fold increase in the odds of women developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Unfortunately, children whose caregivers are exposed to trauma are also at risk for developing PTSD. Currently, a major barrier to developing evidence-based interventions for children is the lack of understanding regarding when and how parental PTSD may lead to offspring PTSD. In this project, we will examine the onset, development, and risk and protective factors for youth PTSD after caregivers have been exposed to sexual trauma. Mother and child dyads (n = 100) will be recruited from the Better Tomorrow Network, a national research infrastructure consisting of 20 of the largest sexual assault emergency treatment centers in the United States. Our team will collect data on caregiver and child mental health, social support, coping, sleep, and other important family factors repeatedly over a 6 month period. The current study will provide critical data for future funding that will support the development of novel programs to prevent and treat PTSD among at-risk children.