The Differential Effects of Posttraumatic Cognitions on Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems in Sexually Abused Youth

초록

BackgroundPrevious studies have extensively examined the role of posttraumatic cognition in the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. However, fewer studies have investigated how specific dimensions of posttraumatic cognition, particularly those observed in sexually abused youth, contribute to broader psychopathological outcomes.ObjectiveThis study examined whether the subdimensions of posttraumatic cognition differentially affect internalizing and externalizing behaviors in sexually abused youth.MethodsThe study included 284 children and adolescents aged 11-18 years who sought assistance at a public counseling center for sexually abused children in Seoul, South Korea, from January 2015 to December 2022. Data was collected on family factors, characteristics of sexual abuse, and PTSD diagnosis. To assess posttraumatic cognitions specific to sexual abuse, the Children's Attribution and Perception Scale (CAPS) was administered. The Korean Youth Self-Report (K-YSR) measured internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to examine whether posttraumatic cognitions predicted behavior problems after controlling demographic, familial, and abuse-related factors as well as PTSD diagnosis.ResultsAmong the posttraumatic cognitions, feelings of being different from peers and personal attributions for adverse events were significant predictors of both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. Interpersonal distrust was uniquely associated with internalizing problems, whereas perceived credibility was uniquely associated with externalizing problems.ConclusionThe findings indicate that distinct dimensions of posttraumatic cognitions are differentially associated with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. These results highlight the clinical importance of identifying and addressing the multifaceted nature of such trauma-related beliefs in psychological interventions for sexually abused youth.

키워드