NCJ Number
201458
Journal
Trauma, Violence, & Abuse Volume: 4 Issue: 3 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 247-264
Date Published
July 2003
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the research on the association between chronicity of traumatization and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology.
Abstract
Although definitions are inconsistent in the literature on chronic traumatic events, this article chooses to define "chronic traumatization" as traumatic events that occur over extended time periods; "duration" as the length of time between the first and last traumatic event; and "traumatic context" as the surrounding environment that increases perceptions of danger within the traumatic events. Research has found that for combat veterans, longer duration has been significantly associated with greater PTSD symptomatology, and the traumatic context of combat has also been significantly associated with greater PTSD symptomatology. Regarding child sexual abuse, whether studied in adults or children, longer duration of child sexual abuse has been associated with greater PTSD symptomatology. Traumatic context has been measured through familial environment and child maltreatment. Both have been associated with greater PTSD symptomatology. For domestic violence, duration has not been consistently associated with PTSD symptomatology. The traumatic context has been measured through psychological abuse and stalking, both of which have been associated with greater PTSD symptomatology. Implications are drawn for practice, policy, and research. 83 references and 5 suggested readings