Assessing stress-related treatment needs among girls at risk for poor functional outcomes: The impact of cumulative adversity, criterion traumas, and non-criterion events. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lansing, Amy E.; Plante, Wendy Y.; Beck, Audrey N.
• Is Part Of: Journal of anxiety disorders. Volume 48(2017:May)
• Page Start: 36
• Page End: 44
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: Cumulative adversity -- Adverse childhood experiences -- Loss -- Functional impairment -- High-risk youth -- Delinquent girls; Anxiety -- Periodicals; Anxiety Disorders -- Periodicals; Angoisse -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 616.8522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.09.007
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0887-6185

Abstract

Highlights: Significant cumulative adversity exposure occurs among delinquent girls. Cumulative adversity is associated with serious maladaptive coping strategies. Cumulative adversity symptom/impairment levels are higher than worst-event levels. Non-Criterion worst-events lead to greater impairment than Criterion-A worst-events. High Criterion-A and non-Criterion adversity exposures underscore assessment needs. Abstract: Despite growing recognition that cumulative adversity (total stressor exposure, including complex trauma), increases the risk for psychopathology and impacts development, assessment strategies lag behind: Adversity-related mental health needs (symptoms, functional impairment, maladaptive coping) are typically assessed in response to only one qualifying Criterion-A traumatic event. This is especially problematic for youth at-risk for health and academic disparities who experience cumulative adversity, including non-qualifying events (separation from caregivers) which may produce more impairing symptomatology. Data from 118 delinquent girls demonstrate: (1) an average of 14 adverse Criterion-A and non-Criterion event exposures; (2) serious maladaptive coping strategies (self-injury) directly in response to cumulative adversity; (3) more cumulative adversity-related than worst-event related symptomatology and functional impairment; and (4) comparable symptomatology, but greater functional impairment, in response to non-Criterion events. These data support the evaluation of mental health needs in response to cumulative adversity for optimal identification and tailoring of services in high-risk populations to reduce disparities.