1. Objectifs

Intentions :
« The aim of this research is to evaluate the role of trauma symptoms, using a mediational model, in the development of behavioral problems in maltreated preschoolers. [...] In this study, we focus on maltreated children’s psychosocial adaptation within the extra-familial context of the preschool setting. » (p. 227)

Questions/Hypothèses :
« On the basis of previous studies with maltreated or sexually abused populations (Holzer et al., 2008; Wekerle et al., 2001; Wolfe et al., 2004) and consistent with the developmental traumatology model (De Bellis, 2001, 2005), we hypothesize that PTSD [posttraumatic stress disorder] symptoms will mediate the link between maltreatment and child behavior problems. However, in light of Aaron and colleagues’ results (Aaron et al., 1999), alternative models will also be examined in order to test the meditational role of behavior problems in the development of trauma-related symptoms in maltreated children. » (p. 227)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
L’échantillon comprend 64 enfants non-maltraités et 34 enfants maltraités.

Instruments :
Questionnaires

Type de traitement des données :
Analyse statistique

3. Résumé

« Results first confirmed, in line with previous studies, links between maltreatment and teacher reports of child internalizing and externalizing problems (de Paul & Arruabarrena, 1995; Reyome, 1993). As expected, results also revealed a significant association between child maltreatment and trauma symptomatology, with maltreated children perceived by their preschool teacher as displaying more trauma symptoms than non-maltreated children. […] Results supported our theoretically-driven and empirically-based hypothesis concerning the mediating role of trauma symptoms in the relation between internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems among maltreated children. Our analyses of alternative mediational models revealed that behavior problems only partially mediated the association between maltreatment and PTSD symptoms. In addition, these alternative models provided a less accurate fit to the data than the model involving trauma symptoms as the mediator of behavior problems. The results of these different mediational analyses therefore support the mediating role of traumatic symptomatology for psychosocial adjustment in the context of maltreatment which is considered a potential chronic interpersonal trauma. [...] Taken together, our findings along with the results of previous studies provide empirical support to the idea that trauma-related symptoms resulting from early maltreatment experiences is an important mechanism associated with psychosocial problems at various developmental stages during the course of life. » (p. 231-232)