Traumatic Events and Posttraumatic Reactions among Children and Adolescents in Out-of-Home Placement: A 25-Year Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

The present study aims to review empirical research focusing on traumatic events and posttraumatic stress among children and adolescents in out-of-home placement and identify future directions for research. A search in PsychInfo, ISI, and PubMed for the period 1985–2010 and use of citation alerts from 2006 to 2010 yielded 27 studies meeting our inclusion criteria. The included studies applied a diversity of assessment instruments and methods. Only six studies reported when the traumatic event(s) had occurred and/or time of assessment posttrauma. The studies comprised two main categories of traumatic events: war related trauma and sexual/physical abuse. There was a male majority exposed to studies focusing on war-related trauma, and studies on sexual trauma had a female majority. Studies on war-related trauma included foster children from Africa and Asia, whereas studies on abuse trauma included mainly North American samples. The review reflects a scarcity of empirical studies with a trauma perspective in this vulnerable population.

Keywords:

• traumatic events
• posttraumatic reactions
• children
• adolescents
• out-of-home placement
• substitute parental care
• alternate parental care
• systematic review

Acknowledgements

This study was supported by The National Program for Integrated Clinical Specialist and PhD-training for Psychologists in Norway. This program is a joint cooperation between the Universities of Bergen, Oslo, Tromsø, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (Trondheim), the Regional Health Authorities, and the Norwegian Psychological Association. The program is funded jointly by The Ministry of Education and Research and The Ministry of Health and Care Services.