A longitudinal investigation of the role of parental responses in predicting children's post-traumatic distress

Hiller, Rachel M., Meiser-Stedman, Richard ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0262-623X, Lobo, Sarah, Creswell, Cathy, Fearon, Pasco, Ehlers, Anke, Murray, Lynne and Halligan, Sarah L. (2018) A longitudinal investigation of the role of parental responses in predicting children's post-traumatic distress. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 59 (7). pp. 781-789. ISSN 0021-9630

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Abstract

Background: While parental post-trauma support is considered theoretically important for child adjustment, empirical evidence concerning the specific aspects of parental responding that influence child post-traumatic distress, or the processes via which any such impacts occur, is extremely limited. We conducted a longitudinal examination of whether parental post-trauma appraisals, trauma-specific support style and general parenting style predicted child post-traumatic stress symptom severity (PTSS) following trauma; and whether such influences operated via the child's own appraisals and coping style. Method: We recruited 132 parent–child pairs following children's experience of acute trauma. We examined whether parental responses assessed at 1-month post-trauma, predicted child PTSS at 6-month follow-up. Parental trauma-specific appraisals and responses, and general parenting style, were assessed via both self-report and direct observations. Child-report questionnaires were used to assess PTSS and potential mediators. Results: Initial parent negative appraisals and encouragement of avoidant coping were associated with higher child-reported PTSS at 6-month follow-up. Predictive effects were maintained even when controlling for initial child symptom levels. Observational assessments broadly supported conclusions from self-report. There was evidence that parental influences may operate, in part, by influencing the child's own appraisals and coping responses. In contrast, there was no evidence for an influence of more “adaptive” support or general parenting style on child PTSS. Conclusions: Findings provide important insight into how elements of social support may influence child post-trauma outcomes.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	longitudinal,child,adolescent,posttraumatic stress disorder,parenting,cognitive-behavioural
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Norwich Medical School
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Mental Health Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Lifespan Health
Depositing User:	Pure Connector
Date Deposited:	01 Dec 2017 06:04
Last Modified:	19 Oct 2023 02:05
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/65646
DOI:	10.1111/jcpp.12846

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