EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SYMPTOMS OF POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER AND CHALLENGING BEHAVIOUR

Objective - Research has suggested an association between exposure to traumatic events and later difficulties. In this respect, young people in residential and secure care pose a unique group as early intervention is hoped... [ view full abstract ]

Objective - Research has suggested an association between exposure to traumatic events and later difficulties. In this respect, young people in residential and secure care pose a unique group as early intervention is hoped to enhance quality of life and minimise any potential adverse behaviour in the long term. It is suspected that this population have often experienced traumatic events prior to entering the care system. Furthermore, challenging behaviour such as aggression is not uncommon amongst this population. However there is little research examining the role of acute trauma symptomology amongst this population and as such, its association with the challenging behaviours exhibited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the role of acute trauma symptomology (PTSD) and its association with challenging behaviour.

Method - The research was conducted at an education and care centre located in the West of Scotland. The study used a mixed method, retrospective design. A trauma screening measure, which assessed trauma exposure and symptoms of PTSD, was researcher-administered to a sample of keyworkers (n = 49) of looked after children accommodated in either residential or secure care. The outcome measure was challenging behaviour, which was measured through the number of episodes of offending, verbal aggression, physical aggression and physical restraints. This data was derived from files only and the retrospective follow-up time was 28 days.

Results - Results indicated that 100% of the sample had experienced a traumatic event. The sample had experienced an average of four different types of traumatic events. Regression analyses showed that symptoms of PTSD were associated with physical and verbal aggression directed towards both members of staff and the young persons peers. There was no association between symptoms and PTSD and episodes of offending or physical restraints. The results also indicated that those with higher PTSD symptomatology scores tended to be more aggressive. The severity of PTSD scores was not related to the number of traumatic events experienced.

Conclusion - The results of this study provide a unique insight into a vulnerable and understudied population. These results have significant implications for clinical practice highlighting the need for both trauma assessment and interventions. Ultimately, this study provided a crucial insight into further clinical issues. Further research is required to ascertain the effects of trauma on young people and it’s role in terms of service provision. The study suffered from numerous limitations, these will be explored in detail.