Adverse childhood experiences, executive function, and maladaptive behaviors in children involved with child protective services
Date
2024
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Abstract
Childhood traumatic events are common and frequently associated with maladaptive coping mechanisms which contribute to long-term harm. Yet few targeted treatment options exist to prevent maladaptive coping in children exposed to trauma. The purpose of this thesis is to identify if executive function may serve as a potential target for such interventions. This thesis used a sample of 244 children – aged 6 to 18 years old – who were referred by the Larimer County Department of Human Services for trauma assessments. Participant trauma events, executive function, and maladaptive behavior data were used to determine if executive function moderated the established association between trauma events and maladaptive behavior development. Results showed no significant interaction between trauma events and executive function when assessing for either maladaptive internalization or externalization. However, results indicated that executive function had a main effect on both internalization and externalization. This study emphasizes the need for further research on the associations between childhood trauma, executive function, and maladaptive behaviors. It is imperative that moderators of the association between childhood trauma and maladaptive behaviors are found so that new treatment options can be developed.