RTI uses cookies to offer you the best experience online. By clicking “accept” on this website, you opt in and you agree to the use of cookies. If you would like to know more about how RTI uses cookies and how to manage them please view our Privacy Policy here. You can “opt out” or change your mind by visiting: http://optout.aboutads.info/. Click “accept” to agree.
The role of family processes in childhood traumatic stress reactions for youths living in urban poverty
Kiser, L. J., Medoff, D. R., & Black, M. M. (2010). The role of family processes in childhood traumatic stress reactions for youths living in urban poverty. Traumatology, 26(2), 33-42. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534765609358466
This article reports findings from a cross-sectional study exploring relationships between trauma exposure, childhood traumatic stress, and family functioning. Data were collected from a sample of 100 mostly African American, 6- to 9-year-old children and their caregivers who were living in low-income, urban neighborhoods and analyzed using hierarchical multiple regressions. The children experienced high levels of exposure and traumatic stress symptoms. Trauma exposure was correlated with reexperiencing, avoidance, and arousal and also with externalizing behavior problems. Reexperiencing and avoidance symptoms were related to lower ratings of the value of family routines reported by caregivers. Higher ratings of family structure, including both organization and support, were related to fewer internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
