Parental Internalizing Psychopathology and PTSD in Offspring after the 2012 Earthquake in Italy

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in youths after earthquakes, with parental psychopathology among the most significant predictors. This study investigated the contribution and the interactional effects of parental internalizing psychopathology, the severity of exposure to the earthquake, and past traumatic events to predict PTSD in offspring, also testing the reverse pattern. Two years after the 2012 earthquake in Italy, 843 children and adolescents (9–15 years) living in two differently affected areas were administered a questionnaire on traumatic exposure and the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index. Anxiety, depression, and somatization were assessed in 1162 parents through the SCL-90-R. General linear model showed that, for offspring in the high-impact area, predictors of PTSD were earthquake exposure, past trauma, and parental internalizing symptoms, taken individually. An interaction between earthquake exposure and parental depression or anxiety (not somatization) was also found. In the low-impact area, youth PTSD was only predicted by earthquake exposure. The reverse pattern was significant, with parental psychopathology explained by offspring PTSD. Overall, findings support the association between parental and offspring psychopathology after natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in this relationship. Although further research is needed, these results should be carefully considered when developing mental health interventions.

The association between posttraumatic stress disorder and mental health of adolescents who exposed to the worst disaster of the century: Extensive data from southeast Turkey

“…These findings reflect those of Cisler and Herringa (2021) who also found that when adolescents experience posttraumatic stress reactions, these reactions are associated with the emergence or exacerbation of psychological symptoms. These psychological symptoms can encompass a wide range of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral issues, such as depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulties in concentration, sleep disturbances, or changes in self‐esteem (Eivazi et al, 2018; Forresi et al, 2021). Astitene and Barkat (2021) explained that adolescents who have experienced trauma may develop posttraumatic stress reactions as a result of their exposure to the traumatic event.…”

“…In studies reviewed in the literature, it has been observed that children experience posttraumatic stress disorder very frequently. In studies conducted in Italy, it has been reported that children experience high levels of posttraumatic stress disorder and psychosocial problems after earthquakes (Forresi et al, 2020, 2021). In studies conducted in Thailand and China, it was found that children experienced posttraumatic stress disorder and children who experienced loss, injury and psychosocial stress had higher levels of trauma (Hsu et al, 2002; Yuan et al, 2013).…”

The Mediation of Care and Overprotection between Parent-Adolescent Conflicts and Adolescents’ Psychological Difficulties during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Which Role for Fathers?

“…Parental psychopathological symptoms should also be included in future investigations [93] as they may impact parenting practices, resulting in less warmth, less sensitivity, and higher hostility [94]. Moreover, it should be considered that while conflicts with parents might lead to lower adolescents' psychological adjustment, emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents might trigger more conflict with parents [45].…”

Trajectories of parental posttraumatic stress disorder and children's mental health following Super Typhoon Lekima: The mediating role of feeling of safety

“…Numerous studies have investigated the impact of parental PTSD on children's psychological well‐being (Forresi et al, 2021; Lambert et al, 2014; Shrira & Felsen, 2021). However, only a limited number of studies have specifically examined the role of parental PTSD trajectories in children's psychological problems.…”

“…Attachment theory also posits that children can effectively explore their environment and experience positive and healthy growth when they perceive their parents as a secure base (Bowlby, 1982). Therefore, the reduced feeling of safety resulting from parental PTSD is likely to impact children's psychological well‐being and potentially contribute to the development of psychological disorders such as PTSD and depression (Cross et al, 2018; Foran et al, 2017; Forresi et al, 2021). Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether distinct trajectories of parental PTSD have indirect effects on children's psychological distress, including PTSD and depression, by influencing their feeling of safety.…”