Childhood Exposure to Interpersonal Trauma

Young children are too often exposed to interpersonal trauma, with deleterious consequences in multiple areas of functioning that manifest over a lifetime. This paper outlines the prevalence of childhood abuse and witnessing domestic violence in the context of single traumatic events as well as chronic exposure to cumulative trauma. We review research findings on various outcomes of experiencing interpersonal trauma in childhood including manifestations in biological and psychosocial domains. As research methodology has advanced, the field is accumulating knowledge in biological correlates including brain anatomy and physiology, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, and gene by environment interactions. Additionally, the field is moving beyond broad correlates to examining how psychosocial variables might interact with a range of contextual factors such as demographic variables and caregiving relationships. We conclude with a review of prevention and intervention programs that have demonstrated efficacy or effectiveness in ameliorating the negative impact of childhood exposure to interpersonal trauma. Together, the literature point to the urgent need to address the development and implementation of effective clinical treatments and in public policy initiatives to protect maltreated children. Keywords: interpersonal trauma; childhood abuse; witnessing domestic violence