To examine differences in trauma exposure and related psychological outcomes between clinical and non-clinical Lithuanian children, highlighting the significance of these differences in mental health interventions.
Key Findings:
Over 40% of the clinical sample experienced physical violence, indicating a critical need for targeted interventions.
82.9% of the non-clinical sample reported exposure to multiple traumatic events, suggesting widespread trauma exposure in the general population.
The clinical sample exhibited significantly higher levels of dissociation, negative mood, and PTSD symptoms, underscoring the severity of their experiences.
Among children exposed to multiple traumatic events, differences in dissociation and PTSD symptoms were not significant, indicating potential resilience factors.
Parental support in the non-clinical sample showed moderate negative associations with various trauma-related symptoms, highlighting the role of social support.
Interpretation:
The study highlights significant differences in trauma exposure and psychological outcomes between clinical and non-clinical groups, emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care and social support in mental health services for children.
Limitations:
Cross-sectional design limits causal inferences; future longitudinal studies are needed.
Reliance on self-reported measures may introduce bias; incorporating objective measures could enhance validity.
Sample may not be representative of all Lithuanian youth; future research should aim for a more diverse sample.
Conclusion:
The findings underscore the need for improved trauma assessment and support systems for children, particularly in clinical settings, to effectively address the psychological impacts of trauma and inform policy changes.
