Behavioural Difficulties are Linked to Traumatization in Young Children: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Clinical Sample

Background Exposure to traumatic events can have posttraumatic effects in young children. It is challenging to identify posttraumatic symptoms. It is necessary to directly investigate the signs of traumatization in young children. The aim of the study was to investigate the links between children’s externalizing and internalizing symptoms reported by caregivers and indicators of traumatization assessed by using the young children as informants. Method Study used data from 110 (59.1% girls) children aged 4 to 9 years. The children have been recruited across the social and mental health services that provide support for abused children in Lithuania. Externalizing and internalizing difficulties measured using caregiver reports with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Indicators of traumatization were measured with the Odense Child Trauma Screening (OCTS). Results The higher levels of indicators of traumatization were significantly related to higher conduct and externalizing problems. The traumatization indicators related to child mental representation of adults were a significant predictor of children’s conduct problems. Conclusions The indicators of traumatization could be linked to externalized mental health difficulties of a child after trauma. Also, the findings might indicate that for the parents and caregivers it might be challenging to recognize internalizing symptoms, associated to traumatization.