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A latent class analysis of trauma based on a nationally representative sample of US adolescents

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Abstract

Purpose

Traumatic events in adolescence rarely occur in isolation. Multiple traumatic experiences are prevalent, diverse and a well-established risk factor for mental health disorders. The aim of this study was to explore and explain the heterogeneity in trauma profiles in a nationally representative sample of US adolescents.

Method

Using latent class analysis, data on 10,123 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 from the National Comorbidity Survey Adolescent Supplement were examined. In addition, the relationships between the emergent classes and demographic and clinical variables were explored.

Results

A four-class solution was the best fit of adolescent trauma patterns, with classes labelled as low risk, sexual assault risk, non-sexual risk and high risk. When compared to the low risk class, those in the other classes were significantly more likely not to live with either biological parent, display symptoms indicative of mood and anxiety disorders, and to have higher rates of disorder comorbidity.

Conclusions

This provides evidence of four distinct groups of adolescents who have experienced a variety of traumas. Evidence demonstrates the increased risk of adolescents with a history of trauma meeting the diagnostic criteria for not only individual disorders but also comorbidity across disorder categories.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded as part of a PhD studentship through a Department of Education and Learning (DEL) Northern Ireland award to the corresponding author. DEL had no further role in study design; data analysis; report writing or in the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Conflict of interest

On behalf of all authors, the corresponding author states that there is no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Ulster, Room MB205, Northland Road, Londonderry, BT48 7JL, Northern Ireland, UK

    Gillian C. McChesney, Gary Adamson & Mark Shevlin

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  1. Gillian C. McChesney
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  2. Gary Adamson
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  3. Mark Shevlin
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Correspondence to Gillian C. McChesney.

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McChesney, G.C., Adamson, G. & Shevlin, M. A latent class analysis of trauma based on a nationally representative sample of US adolescents. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 50, 1207–1217 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1075-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-015-1075-5

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