Executive function as a mediator in the link between single or complex trauma and posttraumatic stress in children and adolescents

Rosanne Op Den Kelder,Marija Maric,Judith B M Ensink,Ramón J L Lindauer,Geertjan Overbeek

doi:10.1007/s11136-017-1535-3

Rosanne Op Den Kelder, Marija Maric + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-017-1535-3

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Abstract

PurposeIn this study, we examined whether there is a mediating role of executive function (EF) in the relationship between trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress in youth.MethodsChildren and adolescents exposed to trauma were recruited at an academic center for child psychiatry in The Netherlands. The total sample consisted of 119 children from 9 to 17 years old (M = 13.65, SD = 2.45). Based on retrospective life event information, the sample was divided into three groups: a single trauma group (n = 41), a complex trauma group (n = 38), and a control group that was not exposed to traumatic events (n = 40).ResultsOur findings revealed that youth exposed to complex trauma had more deficits in EF compared to youth in the single trauma and control groups. EF was found to partly mediate posttraumatic stress symptoms for youth exposed to complex trauma, but not for youth exposed to single trauma. Youth exposed to complex trauma showed more deficits in EF, which was in turn associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms.ConclusionsOur findings provide partial support for the role of EF in mediating posttraumatic stress outcomes for youth exposed to complex trauma. This points to the important role of EF in the etiology and treatment of complexly traumatized youth.

Highlights

Trauma exposureMany youths experience a traumatic event before entering adulthood, with prevalence rates varying from 14 to 80% [1, 2]
Our findings provide partial support for the role of Executive function (EF) in mediating posttraumatic stress outcomes for youth exposed to complex trauma
This points to the important role of EF in the etiology and treatment of complexly traumatized youth

Summary

Introduction

Trauma exposureMany youths experience a traumatic event before entering adulthood, with prevalence rates varying from 14 to 80% [1, 2]. As a result of exposure to traumatic events, youth may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms are intrusive re-experiences (e.g., intrusive thoughts and nightmares), persistent avoidance (e.g., avoidance of feelings/thoughts related to traumatic events), negative alterations in cognitions and mood (e.g., feelings of detachment), and alterations in arousal and reactivity (e.g., sleep problems, hypervigilance) [3]. The role of executive functions in the development of PTSD. Exposure to traumatic events in childhood, when the brain is still developing, may impact neurological and cognitive development [5, 6], and thereby leave youth vulnerable to develop symptoms of PTSD. Executive functions (EFs) are hypothesized to be affected by trauma exposure and to play a role in the development of PTSD after trauma exposure

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Conclusion