A cross-national study of demographic variation and childhood predictors of traumatic distress.

BACKGROUND

Traumatic distress is a major global public health concern requiring cross-cultural understanding.

METHODS

Using nationally representative data from the Global Flourishing Study (N = 202,898; 22 countries), we estimated country-specific prevalence of traumatic distress and examined 9 sociodemographic and 13 childhood predictors. Random-effects meta-analyses assessed cross-country variation and associations.

RESULTS

Here we show that the prevalence of traumatic distress ranges from 16% (Poland) to 53% (Egypt). Higher prevalence of distress is observed among younger individuals, gender-diverse groups, those separated from partners, unemployed, less educated, those born outside their country and those who attend religious services regularly. Several childhood experiences at age 12 are associated with a higher risk of traumatic distress, including abuse, family financial insecurity, feeling like an outsider, parental divorce, and poor health. Childhood abuse is a significant predictor in 21 countries.

CONCLUSIONS

Traumatic distress prevalence and predictors vary across countries and are shaped by both current sociodemographic and early-life factors.