Trauma Type and Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms in Youth: The Mediating Role of Intolerance of Uncertainty.

OBJECTIVE

Early-life trauma is associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in young adulthood; although factors that contribute to PTSS are unclear, one factor may be Intolerance of uncertainty. In adults, trauma exposure may enhance IU and in turn, contribute to PTSS. Few studies have explored these associations in youth or considered the role of trauma type. This study examined these associations in a cohort of youth (ages 18-19) with varying trauma histories.

METHODS

Participants (N = 129) completed validated measures of lifetime trauma exposure, IU, and PTSS. The unique effects of commonly endorsed trauma types were examined: sexual violence, physical abuse, emotional abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and caregiver separation.

RESULTS

Sexual violence victimization was uniquely associated with higher IU, and IU mediated the relationship between sexual violence victimization and PTSS.

CONCLUSIONS

Heightened IU may be one pathway through which exposure to sexual violence increases risk for psychopathology.