Objective: The current preliminary study aims to: (1) describe the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among caregivers of children admitted for inpatient rehabilitation and (2) examine relationships between caregiver ACEs and PTSS through the lens of the Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress model. Methods: Caregivers (N = 37) of children newly admitted at a large pediatric rehabilitation hospital completed measures 4–10 days following admission. Caregivers completed measures of demographic/medical characteristics, ACEs, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. ACEs were split into three groups (0, 1–3, and 4+ adverse events). Results: Caregivers reported personally experiencing, on average 2 ACEs (SD = 1.89, range = 0 – 8). Notably, 51% of caregivers reported clinically significant PTSS (i.e., total scores >= 33). A stepwise linear regression covarying for caregiver sex and occupation status revealed higher ACEs was significantly associated with higher caregivers’ PTSS (β = .53, p = .003). ACEs when including caregiver sex and occupation status accounted for 30% of the variance in caregiver PTSS (p = .017). Conclusions: Caregivers with a history of adversity had significantly higher levels of PTSS than caregivers without a history of adversity. Although it is possible that acute PTSS following a traumatic event may subside overtime, many caregivers may experience persisting PTSS and impair functioning long-term. In addition to using trauma-informed approaches, screening for a history of adversity among caregivers may be useful for clinicians by helping providers to identify and understand specific needs and supports of caregivers exposed to childhood adversity.
Implications for Impact Statement
Many caregivers of children admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital have experienced past trauma(s), which may put them at risk for increased stress. Our findings showed that caregivers who had a history of trauma also showed higher levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms following their child’s admission to the hospital. Routinely screening for caregiver trauma and using trauma-informed care could help support caregivers and possibly reduce stress.
