Racial Differences in Children’s Trauma Symptoms Following Complex Trauma Exposure

Abstract

Complex trauma exposure has been defined as multiple or chronic interpersonal trauma that begins early in life, which leads to widespread dysregulation. Previous studies have reported that minorities may be at greater risk for trauma exposure and symptoms; yet, racial differences have not been investigated in the context of complex trauma. The aim of the present study was to determine if there are racial disparities in children's trauma exposure and outcomes among 167 child survivors of complex trauma (3-18 years, M = 9.90, SD = 3.92; 61.67% female; 62.2% Black). Black children endorsed a greater number of trauma types and were more likely to have experienced community violence and have been placed in child protective custody than White children. Caregivers of White children endorsed higher levels of select internalizing symptoms and social concerns whereas Black children reported higher levels of sexual concerns than White children. White children who experience complex trauma may be at higher risk for some trauma-related difficulties. Alternatively, caregivers of White children may perceive them to have, or be more willing to acknowledge, higher levels of symptoms than Black children. Future work is needed to further investigate the role of race in disclosure of trauma exposure and related symptoms.

The Relationship Between Dissociation and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Scoping Review

“…Although psychophysiological processes (e.g., fight/flight/freeze/submit) are involved in post-traumatic reactions and although these phenomena can be observed even in other animals (Bradshaw et al, 2008; Nijenhuis et al, 1998; Ross et al, 2017; Van der Kolk, 2014), social and cultural factors may also affect the impacts of trauma and the manifestations of post-traumatic reactions. For example, it has been found that culture could affect the autobiographical memory of trauma (Jobson & O’Kearney, 2006), and the prevalence of and stigma associated with PTSD (Asnaani & Hall-Clark, 2017), as well as the disclosure of trauma experiences and trauma-related difficulties (Wamser-Nanney et al, 2021). However, most of the reviewed studies were conducted in Western cultures—only four studies were conducted in Asia, and no study was conducted in Africa.…”

“…and the manifestations of post-traumatic reactions. For example, it has been found that culture could affect the autobiographical memory of trauma (Jobson & O'Kearney, 2006), and the prevalence of and stigma associated with PTSD (Asnaani & Hall-Clark, 2017), as well as the disclosure of trauma experiences and trauma-related difficulties (Wamser-Nanney et al, 2021). However, most of the reviewed studies were conducted in Western cultures-only four studies were conducted in Asia, and no study was conducted in Africa.…”

Trauma-Informed Interventions for At-Risk and Justice-Involved Youth: A Meta-Analysis

“…Trauma-informed approaches may be helpful in reducing justice-system contact given the encouraging evidence-base of trauma treatment reducing problem behaviors. This may be a meaningful step in creating treatment parity between non-White youth and White youth in light of racial/ethnic differences in trauma exposure, symptoms, and treatment (López et al, 2017; Stolbach & Anam, 2017; Wamser-Nanney et al, 2021). Additional research is needed to discern the effects of trauma treatment and access to treatment among non-White youth compared with their White counterparts.…”

Trauma and US Minority Children and Youth

“…This remains a significant finding even after controlling for demographic and social support risk [ 21 ]. Structural racism (a system in which public policies and institutional practices reinforce racial inequities) and historical marginalization are among several reasons that African American children are overrepresented by 2–3 times in the foster care system [ 22 ] and are more likely to have been exposed to a greater number of trauma types and community violence than White children [ 23 ]. Black mothers not only worry about the racial inequality and unfair treatment of their children, but especially fear that their sons will be killed doing everyday activities such as driving through a neighborhood or wearing a hoodie simply because they are Black [ 24 ].…”