Do Child Abuse and Maternal Care Interact to Predict Military Sexual Trauma?. Issue 4 (22nd December 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wilson, Laura C.; Kimbrel, Nathan A.; Meyer, Eric C.; Young, Keith A.; Morissette, Sandra B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical psychology. Volume 71:Issue 4(2015:Apr.)
• Page Start: 378
• Page End: 386
• Publication Date: 2014-12-22
• Subjects: military sexual trauma -- child sexual abuse -- maternal care -- parental bonding -- revictimization; Psychology -- Periodicals; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22143
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-9762

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: The present research tested the hypothesis that maternal care moderates the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and subsequent military sexual trauma (MST). Method: Measures of childhood sexual abuse, maternal care, and MST were administered to 197 Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Results: After accounting for gender, age, and the main effects of maternal care and childhood sexual abuse, the maternal care x childhood sexual abuse interaction was a significant predictor of MST (odds ratio = .28, β = −1.26, 95% confidence intervals of .10, .80). As hypothesized, rates of MST were higher among veterans who reported childhood sexual abuse and low levels of maternal care (43%) compared with veterans who reported childhood sexual abuse and high levels of maternal care (11%). Conclusion: These findings suggest that high levels of maternal care may act as a protective factor against future revictimization among military service members. These findings have the potential to inform both prevention and intervention efforts.