The impact of the developmental timing of trauma exposure on PTSD symptoms and psychosocial functioning among older adults.

ABSTRACT: The present study examined the impact of the developmental timing of trauma exposure on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and psychosocial functioning in a large sample of community-dwelling older adults (N = 1,995). Specifically, we investigated whether the negative consequences of exposure to traumatic events were greater for traumas experienced during childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, midlife, or older adulthood. Each of these developmental periods is characterized by age-related changes in cognitive and social processes that may influence psychological adjustment following trauma exposure. Results revealed that older adults who experienced their currently most distressing traumatic event during childhood exhibited more severe symptoms of PTSD and lower subjective hap

SUBMITTER: Ogle CM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3806884 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature