Cumulative Trauma Research Articles

Performing Artists and Anomalous Experiences

Objective: To evaluate the relations of anomalous experiences with five overexcitabilities, cumulative trauma exposure, and Beyond the Personal creative process, with samples of performing artists, athletes, and control participants. Method: This is a cross-sectional study (N = 454) in which participants were administered in one session five self-report instruments to assess the five overexcitability dimensions, past childhood adversity and trauma events, creative experiences, and anomalous experiences. Analyses included inter-instrument and intergroup analyses, with a regression analysis that focused only on performing artists (n = 248), and a moderation analysis to determine a moderating effect of cumulative trauma on other variables. Results: Results showed that, compared to athletes and controls, performing artists had greater overexcitabilities, higher Beyond the Personal creative experiences, and more anomalous experiences, but no differences in cumulative trauma. Imaginational overexcitability, cumulative trauma, Beyond the Personal creative experience, and emotional overexcitability explained 32% of the variance in anomalous experiences in the performing artists group. The moderation analysis did not reach significance. Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that a desire to create works that expand Beyond the Personal, coupled with elevated overexcitability factors, relate to greater sensitivity and awareness of novel and unusual experiences, including anomalous experiences.

Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Maintenance Workers in Educational Institute

Risks associated with ergonomics are pervasive groups that have crept into people's daily lives. Ergonomic risks have been linked to long-term health effects like musculoskeletal disorders, cumulative trauma disorders, and lower back pain. Due to the limitations of their jobs, workers are most impacted by these repetitive, continuous labor activities. The main objective of this project is to provide a solution to the ergonomic problems that construction workers in the educational maintenance industry encounter. Based on the conditions, only a few jobs were identified, and samples were obtained by watching and asking people about their jobs. For tasks like plantation, rebar bending, material transportation, etc., the RULA and REBA method is used in this project. This study aims to investigate the ergonomic hazards experienced by educational maintenance construction workers.

Травматична спадщина поколінь

This text is the abstract of the report by Dr. Danielle's “Multigenerational Legacies of Trauma”, which she did on December 23, 2022 as part of the ECNP Traumatic Stress Network Hot Topics Webinar. The content of the report is devoted to the problems and long-term consequences of cumulative, cultural and transgenerational trauma.

Effects of cumulative trauma from multiple natural disasters

IntroductionFort McMurray, a city in northern Alberta, Canada, has experienced multiple traumatic events in the last five years, including the 2016 wildfire, the 2020 floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Traumatic events often lead to increased mental health burdens in affected communities.ObjectivesTo assess if the number of traumatic events experienced by residents of Fort McMurray correlates with the prevalence and severity of mental health issues experienced.MethodsA cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was used to gather demographic, trauma (wildfire, flooding, and COVID-19), and clinical information from the resident of Fort McMurray between April 24 to June 2 2021. Likely Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and low resilience were measured using standardized rating scales. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26 using Chi-Square tests and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsRespondents who experienced COVID-19 and either flood or wildfire traumas (N = 101) were eleven times more likely to have GAD symptoms (OR: 11.39; 95% CI: 1.43-91.04), four times more likely to have likely MDD, (OR: 3.85; 95% CI: .995-14.90), ten times more likely to have likely PTSD (OR: 10.47; 95% CI: 1.28-85.67), and low resilience (OR: 10.56; 95% CI: 1.21-92.17). Respondents who experienced COVID-19, flooding, and wildfire traumas (N = 47) were eighteen times more likely to express GAD symptoms (OR: 18.30; 95% CI: 2.20-152.45) and more than eleven times likely to have likely PTSD (OR: 11.41; 95% CI: 1.34-97.37) in comparison to the respondents who experienced COVID-19 only trauma (N = 19).ConclusionsMeasures to reduce climate change and associated natural disasters could reduce the impact of cumulative trauma and associated mental health burden in vulnerable populations. It is essential that more mental health resources are mobilized to support communities impacted by multiple natural disasters.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Ethnicity, creative identity, creative process, and adversity in college and community samples

This study (N = 524) examined ethnicity, creative identity, adversity, and creative processing. In this cross-sectional Institutional Review Board approved college and community study, five self-report measures were completed: a biographical screener, Adverse Childhood Experience Questionnaire, Experience of Creativity Questionnaire, Short Scale of Creative Self, and Traumatic Event Questionnaire. Four major ethnicity groups were compared: Black (14%), Asian (22%), White (38%), Latinx (25%). Cumulative traumatic events, creative personal identity, creative self-efficacy, and most creative processing variables were similar across the four ethnicity groups. The experiential creative process, distinct experience, was significantly higher in the Black and Asian groups compared to the White group. Findings related to specific childhood adversity and adult traumatic experiences indicated the likelihood of different group membership, with the Black group experiencing higher rates of childhood physical abuse, physical neglect, parental separation, family member incarcerated, witnessing a traumatic event, and in danger of losing their lives. The White group had a higher prevalence rate of a family member struggling with substance abuse and suffering a mental illness. The Asian group had more likelihood of experiencing childhood emotional abuse. A unique finding in this study was that the experiential creative process, power and pleasure predicted creative self-efficacy, and the centrality of the creative process predicted creative personal identity. Ethnicity and cumulative trauma were not significant predictors for creative self-efficacy and creative personal identity. Engaging in creative activities may promote well-being and provide a platform to reduce inequalities. The creative self was not limited by adversity or ethnicity.

Occupational ergonomics and related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists: A systematic review.

There is an increasing concern about musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), resulting from occupational health hazards among dentists. Dentists who are susceptible to occupational health hazards could develop cumulative trauma disorders, lead to absenteeism from work, loss of productivity and performance or even long-term disability. This study aims to determine the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists, explore the risk factors and identify the ergonomic preventive measures for dental professionals. Articles published between 2008-2020 were searched in scientific databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane Library). The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme Systematic Review Checklist was used to assess the quality of the studies. Eighteen studies were found to be suitable in the final review. Relevant data was extracted and summarized from the included studies. The annual prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in any body site ranged between 68% and 100%. The most predominant regions for musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals were identified to be the lower back (29% to 94.6%), shoulder (25% to 92.7%), and neck (26% to 92%). The most frequently reported risk factors of MSDs were the individual characteristic female gender (57.1%), followed by awkward working postures (50%), long working experience (50%) and being dental specialists (42.9%). Several preventive measures were identified as the most effective ways in preventing MSDs, the use of magnification (40%) and regular physical activity (40%). This review reported a high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) among dentists. It critically updates and adds the latest evidence on occupational ergonomics among dentists.

Trauma exposure and psychometric properties of the life events checklist among adults in South Africa

ABSTRACT Background: Trauma exposure is widespread and linked to chronic physical and mental health conditions including posttraumatic stress disorder. However, there are major gaps in our knowledge of trauma exposure in Africa and on the validity of instruments to assess potentially life-threatening trauma exposure. Objective: The Life Events Checklist for the DSM-5 (LEC-5) is a free, widely used questionnaire to assess traumatic events that can be associated with psychopathology. As part of a case–control study on risk factors for psychosis spectrum disorders, we used the LEC-5 to examine the frequency of traumatic events and to assess the questionnaire’s factor structure in South Africa (N = 6,765). Method: The prevalence of traumatic events was measured by individual items on the LEC-5 across the study sample, by case–control status, and by sex. Cumulative trauma burden was calculated by grouping items into 0, 1, 2, 3, and ≥4 traumatic event types. Psychometric properties of the LEC-5 were assessed through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Results: More than 92% of the study sample reported experiencing ≥1 traumatic event; 38.7% reported experiencing ≥4 traumatic event types. The most endorsed item was physical assault (65.0%), followed by assault with a weapon (50.2%). Almost 94% of cases reported ≥1 traumatic event compared to 90.5% of controls (p < .001) and 94% of male participants reported ≥1 traumatic event compared to 89.5% of female participants (p < .001). Exploratory factor analysis revealed a 6-factor model. Confirmatory factor analyses of three models found that a 7-factor model based on the South African Stress and Health survey was the best fit (standardized root mean square residual of 0.024, root mean square error of approximation of 0.029, comparative fit index of 0.910). Conclusion: Participants reported very high exposure to traumatic events. The LEC-5 has good psychometric priorities and is adequate for capturing trauma exposure in South Africa.

Four reasons why we should screen for dissociation in competitive sports

Four reasons why we should screen for dissociation in competitive sports

Resilience in the face of adversity: classes of positive adaptation in trauma-exposed children and adolescents in residential care

Children and adolescents in residential care often face multiple traumatic experiences. However, some individuals show resilient adaptation. To depict this heterogeneity, the person-centered examination of different classes of adaptation is a powerful tool. Up to date, resilience was insufficiently addressed in this population. Data from 141 children and adolescents in residential care institutions in Austria regarding trauma history, psychopathology, behavioral adjustment, and protective factors were assessed with standardized self-report questionnaires. Distinct classes of adaptation after traumatic experiences were examined with Latent Class Analysis. Class differences regarding traumatic experiences and protective factors were analyzed with χ2 testing. Three classes were identified [resilience (66.18%), mixed psychopathology (13.97%, mixed), high psychopathology (19.85%, high)]. Only males were classified into the resilient class and only females into the high class. The high class differed significantly from the resilient class regarding cumulative trauma history and protective factors. The mixed class did not differ from the resilient class regarding trauma history, however, they differed significantly regarding protective factors. The resilient class was associated with protective factors. Strong gender differences show the relevance of a differentiated evaluation of gender-specific protective factors and resilience indicators. Fostering protective factors may be a suitable approach for tailored intervention measures.

Prevalence, characteristics, and health burden of rheumatoid arthritis in the U.S. veteran population

ObjectiveTo examine the prevalence, characteristics, and physical and mental health burden of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a nationally representative sample of U.S. military veterans. MethodsData were analyzed from the 2019–2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study (NHRVS), which surveyed a contemporary, nationally representative sample of 4,069 U.S. veterans. Veterans with RA (n = 227) were compared to veterans with any other medical condition(s) (n = 3,444) on measures of sociodemographic, military, trauma, medical and psychiatric characteristics. Multivariable analyses were then conducted to examine independent associations between RA and health conditions. ResultsA total of 5.3% (95% confidence interval = 4.5–6.2%) of primarily male U.S. veterans reported having been diagnosed with RA. Relative to controls, veterans with RA were older, and more likely to be racial/ethnic minorities, unpartnered, lower income, and combat veterans. They also reported greater cumulative trauma burden, more medical conditions (i.e., osteoarthritis, chronic pain, respiratory and cardiovascular conditions), and greater severity of somatic symptoms, and were more likely to screen positive for current insomnia and subthreshold posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and lifetime alcohol use disorder (AUD). In adjusted analyses, RA remained associated with number of medical conditions, more severe somatic symptoms, insomnia, subthreshold PTSD, and AUD. ConclusionsOne of 20 U.S. veterans has RA, which is more prevalent among certain sociodemographic subsets, and is associated with elevated physical and mental health burden. Results provide insight into risk correlates of RA and underscore the importance of assessing, monitoring, and treating medical and psychiatric conditions/symptoms that co-occur with RA in this population.

Regular cannabis use is associated with history of childhood and lifetime trauma in a non-clinical community sample

Higher rate of substance use, including cannabis, has been reported in individuals with a history of childhood trauma, but less is known about the association between cannabis use with lifetime history of trauma and chronic stress, and potential gender differences in this association. This study systematically examined this association in a cross-sectional study of 841 individuals recruited between 2007 and 2012 from the community in New Haven, Connecticut. The Cumulative Adversity Index (CAI) was used to measure cumulative lifetime major life events, life trauma, and recent life events and chronic stress. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to measure childhood trauma. Current and regular use of drugs were assessed using self-report questionnaires and objectively verified with urine drug testing. Higher rates of childhood trauma as well as lifetime trauma, and major life events were found in cannabis users, compared to non-users. The association between cannabis use with childhood trauma (total CTQ scores) was significant after controlling for age, gender, ethnicity and regular use of alcohol or cocaine. In logistic regression analysis, cannabis use had a significant positive association with major life events and lifetime trauma, but not with chronic stress, controlling for confounding factors including age, gender, ethnicity, and regular use of alcohol and cocaine. When analyzed separately, only in women the association between cannabis use and childhood trauma was significant. These associations point to further assessment of the impact of these gender differences on neurobiology of stress and cannabis misuse risk.

Predictors of symptom severity and change among youth in trauma-informed residential care

BackgroundTrauma-informed residential care is an intensive intervention setting for youth, but research on its effectiveness is limited and yields mixed findings. ObjectivesThe study aims were to; 1) evaluate change over time of mental health (MH) symptoms over 21 months of trauma-informed residential care, and 2) examine the influence of demographic and risk factor variables (e.g. age, gender, trauma and placement history) on baseline symptoms and treatment response. ParticipantsA sample of 547 youth ages 12 to18 in trauma-informed residential care (M age = 15.84 (SD = 1.56), 43.2 % male) were examined, with notable attrition over the study period. MethodLatent curve analysis (LCA) was used to estimate MH symptom severity at intake and change during 21 months (8 assessments total, intake and every 3 months) of care. ResultsTrauma-informed residential care was associated with significant reductions in symptoms of PTSD (d = −0.76), depression (d = −0.59), dissociation (d = −0.60), psychological dysregulation (d = −0.94), and externalizing (d = −0.31), but not internalizing (d = 0.01) problems. Females had greater symptoms at intake across multiple indicators and showed equivalent or greater treatment response than males, although both groups improved. Neither cumulative trauma nor previous placement were associated with attenuated treatment response, but trauma history was positively associated with severity of multiple clinical measures at intake. ConclusionsTrauma-informed residential treatment can lead to reductions in clinical symptoms, even among multiply trauma-impacted youth. The extent of youth's trauma history did not negatively influence treatment response.

Cumulative trauma predicts hair cortisol concentrations and symptoms of depression and anxiety in pregnant women—an investigation of community samples from Greece, Spain and Perú

Exposure to traumatic experiences across lifespan shapes the functioning of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and sets individuals at risk to develop symptoms of depression and anxiety. Particularly, HPA axis regulation and the psychological health of the expectant mother have been of interest, as the health of the unborn child may be affected through changes in gestational biology. The present study investigated the potential associations between lifetime trauma, current symptoms (depression and anxiety) and hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in pregnant women. A total of 149 pregnant women were interviewed in public outpatient clinics with varying gestational age in Greece, Spain and Perú. Lifetime trauma exposure and current symptoms of depression and anxiety were assessed. HCC was measured in scalp-near hair segments (2 cm length) reflecting cumulative cortisol secretion of the past two months. Results showed that trauma load is negatively associated with HCC and higher symptoms of depression and anxiety. There was a negative association between HCC and symptoms. The present findings support the notion that cumulative trauma exposure exerts long-lasting effects on the expectant mother’s HPA axis activity functioning and mental health and may thereby potentially create risk trajectories for the unborn child via changes in gestational biology.

Childhood trauma predicts blunted error monitoring in adulthood: An event-related potential study.

Abuse and neglect have detrimental consequences on emotional and cognitive functioning during childhood and adolescence, including error monitoring, which is a critical aspect of cognition that has been implicated in certain internalizing and externalizing psychopathologies. It is unclear, however, whether (a) childhood trauma has effects on error monitoring and, furthermore whether, (b) error monitoring mediates the relation between childhood trauma and psychopathology in adulthood. To this end, in a large sample of young adults (ages 18-30) who were oversampled for psychopathology (N = 390), the present study assessed relations between childhood trauma and error-related negativity (ERN), which is a widely used neurophysiological indicator of error monitoring. Cumulative childhood trauma predicted ERN blunting, as did two specific types of traumas: sexual abuse and emotional neglect. Furthermore, the ERN partially mediated the effects of cumulative childhood trauma and emotional neglect on externalizing-related symptoms. Future studies should further examine the relations between childhood trauma and error monitoring in adulthood, which can help to inform intervention approaches.

The Combined Efficacy of Sacro-Occipital Technique and Electrical Stimulation Therapy in the Treatment of Cumulative Trauma Disorders with Cervicogenic Cephalgia

Background and Aim: Cumulative trauma disorders attributed to poor sustained posture in working or repetitive physical activity. Cervicogenic headaches are assumed to be associated with cervical dysfunction and may include facial pain. Cervicogenic Cephalgia may result from the entire body´s muscle imbalance as well as Temporo-Mandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder. Methods: 31 male and 39 female subjects diagnosed with CTDs with Cervicogenic Cephalgia were recruited and they were randomized into 2 groups. The study group participants underwent Sacro-Occipital Technique and Electrical Stimulation Therapy and control group underwent only the electrical stimulation therapy. Pain intensity assessment, posture and gait evaluation was done before and after intervention. Results: Pain intensity was reduced in the study group compared to control group and the gait and posture was improved in study group participants following intervention which was statistically significant. Conclusion: The symptoms of CTDs with Cervicogenic Cephalgia were improved by the Sacral–Occipital Technique (S.O.T.) and the electrical stimulation therapy that are non-phamacotherapy for normalizing neuromusculoskeletal system. So the overall effective rate is 95.0%.

Operations of Knapsack Sprayer and Its Impacts on Physiological Parameters of Selected Operators

The study was aimed at determining the impacts of operating Manually Operated Hand Lever Knapsack Sprayers (MOHLKS) on physiological responses of the operators as dependent on anthropometric variations and sex. Twenty eight subjects, (4 female, 24 male) Mean ± SD: Age 22.5 ± 1.92, 24.29 ± 2.2 years; Body Mass Index 24.6 ± 4.8, 21.7 ± 2.4 kg/m2 were employed in the study. Selected anthropometric parameters of weight and height were used to determine body mass index (BMI), with these are arm-reach forward, elbow to fingertip, hand length and hand width were measured to establish human variations in diversity. Subjects undertook the operation at 5 replicates each, before and after which information about operators’ body pain locations and body physiological changes of heart rates were obtained. Measured parameters were used in the determination of expended energy (EE), physiological cost (PC), oxygen intake (VO2) and aerobic power (VO2max). Alongside with these were operational parameters of stroke, pace and time taken to get the operation done and environmental factors of temperature and relative humidity. The results revealed on the average that the BMI (24.61 ± 4.78 kg/m2) in female operators was higher, this corresponded to PC and VO2, while the VO2max (34.83 ± 3.30 ml/min/kg) in males is higher. More EE was obtained in female subjects (3.53 ± 3.76 kCal/min) as compared to male subjects (3.42 ± 7.48 kCal/min). The main effects plot of operational factors on EE displayed the stroke made by the subjects during spraying operation as parameter with largest effect on EE. Regression equation for EE and PCI is given as PCI = 1.97 + 25.2 EE, while the P-value at α = 0.05 is 0.000 and R2 = 98.8%. Post operational body pain showed that 19 out of 28 subjects incurred at least one type of body pain, with shoulder pain as most frequent. The results of the study suggest that early incidence of fatigue may occur in female operators as compared to the males, and in addition, cumulative trauma at shoulder, back, and upper and lower arm may result over time. Hence, it is recommended that the tank volume should be reduced and the straps for the shoulders should be supported with additional cushion.

Correlates of Skin Conductance Reactivity to Stroke-Related Trauma Reminders During Hospitalization for Stroke

Objective Although several risk factors for stroke-induced posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been identified, objective risk measures that can be detected in the acute aftermath of these events are needed. This study is the first to collect an objective measure of psychophysiological arousal—skin conductance (SC) reactivity to a trauma interview—in patients after stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA) and investigate correlates of SC reactivity. Methods Mobile SC measurement during a resting baseline and standardized trauma interview was performed in-hospital in 98 individuals following stroke/TIA. We examined associations between several stroke-induced PTSD risk factors (sociodemographic, psychosocial, and medical characteristics) and SC reactivity to a trauma interview involving a free-response recalling of the stroke/TIA event. Results Of the sociodemographic, psychosocial, medical characteristics examined as correlates to SC reactivity to recalling the stroke/TIA event, 2 factors reflecting aspects of prior and in-hospital experience were significantly associated with this indicator of sympathetic nervous system activation. A greater cumulative trauma burden was significantly associated with greater SC reactivity (r = .23, P = .04). Additionally, individuals administered benzodiazepines in-hospital had significantly greater SC reactivity to recalling the stroke/TIA event (M = 1.51, SD = 1.52) than those who were not (M = 0.76, SD = 1.16; P = .01). Greater cumulative trauma burden remained significantly associated with greater SC reactivity when adjusting for age and in-hospital benzodiazepine administration (β=0.22, P = .04). Conclusion This study demonstrated that SC reactivity was related to both behavioral and psychological risk factors for PTSD after a stroke/TIA event. Additionally, we demonstrated the feasibility of a low-cost, mobile measurement of SC that can be conducted in-hospital in a novel patient population: individuals with a medical trauma. With this measure, we were able to identify those individuals with the greatest trauma-related sympathetic nervous system reactivity in the days following a medical trauma. Future research is needed to determine whether SC reactivity may be leveraged in the development of brief, noninvasive screening measures for enhancing PTSD risk prediction.

누적된 생애 트라우마 경험이 건강에 미치는 영향

Objectives: This study aims to identify the negative effects of cumulative traumatic events on both mental and physical health. Methods: Trauma was defined based on DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition), SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) recommendation, and previous studies. A cross-sectional study using an online survey questionnaire was used to gather sociodemographics, trauma, and health information. Data were analyzed with SAS version 9.4 software using Chi-Square tests and binary logistic regression analysis. Results: The results of the survey indicated that 89.9% of the people surveyed had experienced traumas during their lifetime and 66.3% during childhood. Respondents who experienced more than 7 traumas were 7.9 times more likely to have potential risk of PTSD (OR: 7.877; 95% CI: 5.314-11.677), 2.3 times more likely to have depression (OR: 2.333; 95% CI: 1.446-3.763), and 3.5 times more likely to have a complex chronic disease (OR: 3.522; 95% CI: 2.261-5.485). A similar trend was found among respondents who experienced trauma in childhood (potential risk of PTSD OR=7.627; depression OR=3.508; complex chronic disease OR=2.979). Conclusion: These findings suggest that cumulative trauma is associated with both negative mental and physical health. Individuals may be exposed to various types of traumas during their lifetime. Interventions are necessary to promote resilience so that cumulative trauma does not threaten an individual’s health and life.

Cumulative trauma in bipolar disorder: An examination of prevalence and outcomes across the lifespan

BackgroundTrauma is highly prevalent in bipolar disorder, and while considerable research has been undertaken in relation to childhood trauma, little is known about the experience and the impact of exposure to multiple trauma types across the lifespan, otherwise known as cumulative trauma. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of cumulative trauma in bipolar disorder and explore its association with illness and other outcomes. MethodsParticipants were recruited online globally and comprised 114 adults aged 23 to 73 years with BD-I (41.2 %) or BD-II (58.8 %). Participants completed an online questionnaire containing items regarding symptoms and trauma history followed by a diagnostic interview to confirm their BD diagnosis and assess BD symptoms. ResultsCumulative trauma accounted for most of the trauma exposure across both childhood (n = 89; 78.1 %) and adulthood (n = 72; 63.2 %). Those with lifetime cumulative trauma (n = 64; 56 %) were more likely to experience at least one other co-morbid mental health condition in addition to their BD diagnosis (88 %) and report significantly lower ratings of perceived social support compared to those who did not experience any cumulative trauma (N = 15; 13 %). LimitationsThis study has been limited by the cross-sectional retrospective design as well as the use of self-selection to participate. ConclusionsCumulative trauma is highly prevalent in bipolar disorder and is associated with greater likelihood of experiencing a psychiatric comorbidity and decreased levels of social support. More research is needed to explore the nature of this relationship and determine whether increasing social support may be of benefit.

Cumulative Childhood Trauma, Communication Patterns, and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrated by Men Seeking Help.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex and multifactorial public health problem associated with important physical and psychological repercussions. Recent studies suggest that cumulative childhood trauma (CCT) may be related to higher IPV perpetration through dysfunctional communication patterns, but to our knowledge, no study has tested this proposition in a clinical population. This study aimed to explore the direct and indirect links between CCT and perpetrated IPV through dysfunctional communication patterns among 577 men seeking help from community centers specializing in IPV. Prior to receiving services, participants completed a battery of questionnaires including validated brief measures of CCT (sexual, physical, and psychological abuse; physical and psychological neglect; witnessing of physical and psychological parental violence; bullying), communication patterns (demand/demand, partner demands/man withdraws, man demands/partner withdraws), and IPV (psychological, physical, coercive control). Results from a path analysis reveal that having sustained a higher number of different forms of childhood trauma is directly related to men's higher risk of perpetrating psychological IPV. CCT is also indirectly related to higher perpetrated psychological and physical IPV and coercive control through a higher report of the demand/demand communication pattern and a higher report of the man demands/partner withdraws communication pattern. The tested model explains 23% of the variance in psychological IPV, 6% of the variance in physical IPV, and 12% of the variance in coercive control. Results highlight the importance of assessing, in therapy, both distal and proximal variables associated with IPV, including the accumulation of many forms of childhood interpersonal trauma, and to tailor trauma-informed interventions that promote constructive communication strategies.