SYMPTOMATOLOGY AND ADAPTIVE FUNCTIONING FOR CHILDREN EXPOSED TO NORMATIVE STRESSORS, DOG ATTACK, AND PARENTAL VIOLENCE

Objective: To examine and identify predictors of posttraumatic symptom atology and adaptive functioning of children exposed to single and rep etitive adverse events that varied in severity. Method: A sample of 86 parents and their children, aged 4 to 9 years, were interviewed after three types of adverse experiences: repetitive exposure to parental v iolence, a dog attack, or a milder stressor. The PTSD Reaction Index, Child Dissociative Checklist, and Child Behavior Checklist were used. Results: Trauma symptoms were greater for the first two groups, younge r children, and girls. Gender effects were most evident in the dog att ack group and depended on type of symptoms and informant. Supportivene ss in the parenting relationship aided prediction of both trauma sympt oms and adjustment, Conclusions: Children appear to experience elevate d posttraumatic stress disorder symptomatology after both single and r epetitive adverse events that are potentially life-threatening A posit ive parental relationship is associated with fewer symptoms and better adaptive functioning. The mechanisms through which this support inter acts with behavioral and physiological systems to facilitate better re gulation await further research.