Classification and Regression Tree Analysis to Examine Risk of Post-Traumatic Symptoms Among Maltreated, Multiracial Adolescents

Abstract

Child maltreatment and removal from home have been increasingly examined among marginalized groups but less so among multiracial youth. The present study examined 99 multiracial youth aged 11–17 (M = 14.18, SD = 1.79) years. Classification and regression tree analysis was conducted on demographic (age, gender, family religion, self-identified religious, English first language), type of maltreatment, and psychological (depression, dissociation, anger, post-traumatic cognitions) variables for three post-traumatic symptom clusters. Pathways of low and high risk were identified for reexperiencing symptoms, avoidance, and hyperarousal. The findings have implications for tailoring assessment and intervention processes for this highly vulnerable population.