Childhood traumatic experiences: Considering emerging adulthood and attachment

dc.contributor.advisor Armstrong, Patrick I
dc.contributor.advisor Vogel, David
dc.contributor.advisor Marsee, Monica
dc.contributor.advisor Zarling, Amie
dc.contributor.advisor Pillips, Warren
dc.contributor.author Lauber, Sierra Rae
dc.contributor.department Department of Psychology
dc.date.accessioned 2025-02-11T17:36:12Z
dc.date.available 2025-02-11T17:36:12Z
dc.date.issued 2024-12
dc.date.updated 2025-02-11T17:36:13Z
dc.description.abstract Traumatic experiences have the potential to be chronic and enduring, with a breadth of literature demonstrating its multi-level influences, from individual changes in neurochemistry to intergenerational and societal-level impacts. Increasingly, advocates across disciplines emphasize the importance of developmental context in relation to traumatic experiences. A primary concern is that individuals with complex, relationship-based trauma histories may be overlooked or pathologized. Evidence suggests that developmental timing, particularly when considered alongside the nature of the trauma, plays a meaningful role in shaping attachment and relationships. In recognition of this, the present study measured post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTS) and developmental trauma symptoms (DTS) to assess distinct patterns between constructs. Specifically, the study tested for different predictive relationships of these constructs with depression, anxiety, and well-being, using a large young adult sample (n = 376; Mage = 19.6, s= 1.88) from a Midwest university. Measures of attachment, social connection, and posttraumatic growth were used to investigate how relational elements influenced effect size outcomes. Results showed that PTS and DTS produced related but distinct patterns, as hypothesized. Hierarchical regression analyses demonstrated that PTS had a stronger effect on anxiety, whereas DTS had a more substantial effect on well-being. There was no significant interaction effect between DTS and PTS in the models. This further supports the position that each measure held unique contributions. These results also strengthen calls for considering developmental context in trauma research and clinical settings. The present findings also provide an opportunity for future work to explore ways in which trauma symptoms and impacts may differ across developmental timepoints and where emerging adults fit within that continuum.
dc.format.mimetype PDF
dc.identifier.doi https://doi.org/10.31274/td-20250502-134
dc.identifier.uri https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/handle/20.500.12876/Nveoy7kz
dc.language.iso en
dc.language.rfc3066 en
dc.subject.disciplines Counseling psychology en_US
dc.subject.keywords Attachment en_US
dc.subject.keywords Childhood trauma en_US
dc.subject.keywords Emerging adults en_US
dc.title Childhood traumatic experiences: Considering emerging adulthood and attachment
dc.type dissertation en_US
dc.type.genre dissertation en_US
dspace.entity.type Publication
relation.isOrgUnitOfPublication 796236b3-85a0-4cde-b154-31da9e94ed42
thesis.degree.discipline Counseling psychology en_US
thesis.degree.grantor Iowa State University en_US
thesis.degree.level dissertation $
thesis.degree.name Doctor of Philosophy en_US
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