A recent study published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress suggests that service members who were physically, emotionally, or sexually abused in childhood are more susceptible to developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when deployed to conflict zones.
These findings bring insight into how adverse experiences early in life can increase vulnerability to trauma later on.
Understanding the Role of Childhood Trauma
Marcus Credé, an associate professor at Iowa State University and co-author of the study, emphasizes that while the amount of trauma or combat a service member experiences during deployment matters, individual responses vary.
Some, due to their childhood experiences, are simply more susceptible to developing PTSD.
The Additive and Multiplicative Effects of Trauma
The researchers investigated the nature of the relationship between childhood adverse experiences and the development of PTSD symptoms, considering both additive and multiplicative effects.
The additive effect compares to stacking weights on a scale, with PTSD symptoms developing if the cumulative weight of adverse experiences and deployment trauma is too heavy.
On the other hand, the multiplicative effect considers how childhood abuse might affect a person’s coping mechanisms, leading to a heightened reaction to adult trauma.
A Two-Pronged Approach to Studying PTSD
The researchers began with a meta-analysis of 50 peer-reviewed articles on the topic. The findings revealed that adverse childhood experiences significantly contribute to PTSD symptoms, even when controlling for combat exposure.
Following this, the team conducted a second study, using pre-existing survey responses from service members to assess whether the effects of childhood trauma were additive or multiplicative.
Explaining Vulnerability to Later Trauma
The study suggests a few potential mechanisms explaining why adverse childhood experiences could increase vulnerability to trauma later on.
First, childhood abuse can make individuals wary of forming social relationships, reducing their access to the social support that buffers against trauma.
Furthermore, chronic stressors can disrupt the body’s cortisol feedback loop, making individuals overly responsive to even minor stressors.
Addressing the Issue in the Military
Given the elevated risk of PTSD among service members with a history of childhood abuse or trauma, the study’s authors suggest several interventions.
Incorporating more psycho-education into military training can help service members understand their responses to situations and available resources.
Enhancing military aptitude tests to screen for adverse childhood experiences may also be beneficial, helping to place at-risk individuals in positions better suited to their needs.
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The study was published in the Journal of Traumatic Stress.
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