An Examination of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms among Maltreated Multiracial Youth

Abstract

Symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among maltreated youth removed from their homes. These symptoms might be particularly evident in multiracial youth, although little research exists on this vulnerable population. A model whereby depression, dissociation, and posttraumatic cognition symptoms contributed to symptoms of PTSD met goodness-of-fit criteria in 160 maltreated multiracial adolescents. Enhanced model fit was found for females and for adolescents 11 to 13 years old. Analyses further revealed that the best predictors of PTSD symptoms were negative cognitions about the world and anhedonia. The findings are discussed within the context of existing theoretical models of PTSD. The results further highlight the importance of ethnically and racially sensitive approaches to assessment and treatment of youth with PTSD symptoms.

KEYWORDS:

• depression
• dissociation
• maltreatment
• multiracial youth
• posttraumatic stress
• traumatic cognitions

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Harpreet Kaur is a currently a psychologist in private practice in Colorado.