Intergenerational Transmission of Trauma-Related Distress: Maternal Betrayal Trauma, Parenting Attitudes, and Behaviors

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to elucidate mechanisms involved in the intergenerational transmission of trauma-related distress. This study investigated whether betrayal trauma (BT; abuse by a person close to the victim) and specific parenting attitudes and behaviors among mothers with child abuse histories predicted internalizing and externalizing symptoms in their children. Mothers and children (ages 7–11) were recruited for a project on parenting and stress (N = 72). Maternal betrayal trauma predicted both internalizing (β = 0.33, p < .01) and externalizing symptoms (β = 0.25, p < .05) even when controlling for mothers’ trauma-related symptoms. Negative attitudes toward limit setting predicted externalizing symptoms (β = −0.33, p < .05). Poorer communication (β = −0.39, p < .05) but higher parenting satisfaction (β = 0.38, p < .01) predicted internalizing symptoms. These findings demonstrate the importance of assessing maternal trauma and parenting characteristics as part of interventions with symptomatic children.

KEYWORDS:

• Betrayal trauma
• child abuse
• development of psychopathology
• intergenerational transmission of trauma
• maltreatment
• parent–child relationships
• parenting

Additional information

Funding

This project was funded through a University of Denver Graduate Affairs Committee Research Grant (to Ann T. Chu) as well as through Denver University Psychology Department funds (Anne P. DePrince).