Coping Styles and Defense Mechanisms Mediate Associations Between Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences and CPTSD Symptoms in Faroese Adolescents

Abstract

Background The experience of several adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been shown to be associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO) symptoms among adolescents. Defense mechanisms and coping styles are psychological processes involved in the association of ACEs with PTSD and DSO symptoms. However, there is a lack of research on the joint association of these variables among Faroese adolescents. Aim The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of exposure to ACEs on PTSD and DSO symptoms trough the indirect effect of defense mechanisms and coping styles in a sample of Faroese adolescents. Method Six hundred and eighty-seven Faroese adolescents were recruited from 19 schools. Participants responded to validated self-report questionnaires. A multiple step mediation and a serial mediation methodology were conducted through structural equation modeling. Results Exposure to ACEs was linked to PTSD and DSO symptoms through the indirect effect of immature defense mechanisms, emotional coping, and detachment coping. Exposure to ACEs was linked to PTSD symptoms through rational coping. Conclusions The results suggest a mutual relationship between defense mechanisms and coping styles in coping with multiple adversity among adolescents.