Work

A prospective study of sex differences in the lifetime risk of posttraumatic stress disorder among abused and neglected children grown up

Year: 2009

Type: article

Abstract: In the general population, women's lifetime risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is twice that of men's. However, evidence is contradictory as to whether this sex difference is present among child abuse/neglect victims. The authors examined sex differences in PTSD among a sample of 674 individuals with documented child abuse/neglect histories assessed for PTSD in adulthood. Across all types of abuse/neglect, women were more than twice as likely to develop PTSD as men. The sex difference was greatest among sexual abuse victims. Female victims' greater revictimization explained a substantial proportion (39%) of the sex differences in PTSD risk. Future research should identify mechanisms that make female victims particularly vulnerable to revictimization and the development of PTSD.

Source: Journal of Traumatic Stress

DOI: 10.1002/jts.20478

Authors: Karestan C. Koenen, Cathy Spatz Widom

Institutions: Harvard University, City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute of Mental Health