Background: Previous studies have indicated a robust association between child maltreatment and a plethora of symptoms, such as somatic and PTSD symptoms. More specifically, sexual and emotional...Show moreBackground: Previous studies have indicated a robust association between child maltreatment and a plethora of symptoms, such as somatic and PTSD symptoms. More specifically, sexual and emotional abuse are linked to a higher likelihood of experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. Furthermore, neglect and non-sexual abuse (emotional and physical abuse) have also been significantly associated with the re-experiencing and avoidance symptom clusters of PTSD. Objective: Subsequently, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the relationship between the different forms of child maltreatment, somatic, and PTSD symptoms; and to identify whether differences exist in individuals with a PTSD diagnosis versus those without a diagnosis. Methods: Data were collected from 237 participants (mean age 15.6 years, SD: 2.07) between February 2012 and April 2015. The participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Children’s Somatization Inventory (CSI-35), the Children’s Response to Trauma Inventory (CRTI), and the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), at baseline. Partial correlation networks were estimated from the baseline measure to investigate the association between child maltreatment, somatic, and PTSD symptoms. Results: Overall, emotional abuse emerged as the most central node within the network. Out of the five forms of child maltreatment, emotional abuse formed the strongest associations with gastrointestinal symptoms, and the avoidance symptom cluster of PTSD, while sexual abuse formed the strongest association with non-gastrointestinal symptoms. Among individuals with and without a PTSD diagnosis, discrepancies were present in regard to the interrelationships of child maltreatment, somatic, and PTSD symptoms. Conclusion: Consequently, individuals who experience emotional abuse may also experience other forms of maltreatment, thus, mental health professionals need to take into consideration that multiple forms of maltreatment are often present, and implement personalized interventions based on the forms of child maltreatment and the associated symptoms.Show less
