Using SEM to examine emotion regulation and revictimization in predicting PTSD symptoms among childhood abuse survivors.

Abstract

Exposure to abuse in childhood has been associated with elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), as well as intimate partner (re)victimization in adulthood. Although research has examined these relationships separately, less is known about the underlying mechanisms, such as disruptions to emotion regulatory processes, which may link childhood maltreatment with adult victimization and PTSS. Using an ethnically diverse, high-risk community sample of 99 female survivors of childhood abuse and adulthood intimate partner violence (IPV), the current study used structural equation modeling to examine the direct effects of childhood maltreatment, adult IPV victimization, and emotion regulation difficulties on PTSS. The indirect effect of childhood maltreatment on PTSS symptoms through adult victimization and emotion regulation difficulties was also considered. Results supported the anticipated direct effects of childhood abuse on adult IPV victimization and emotion regulation difficulties. A significant direct effect of emotion regulation difficulties on PTSS was also observed. Whereas significant direct effects of childhood abuse on PTSS in adulthood were not observed, childhood maltreatment indirectly affected PTSS in adulthood through emotion regulation difficulties, as well as through IPV victimization in adulthood. These findings suggest dual pathways through which childhood maltreatment may contribute to PTSS in adulthood. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.