Sarah B Schoorl, Marc J Noom, Bregtje van Elven, Karlijn F Andeweg, Danny J C de Bakker, Olaf Goorden, Suzan Polet, Heleen I J Sillekens, Eveline van Vugt, Geert-Jan Stams, Ramon J L Lindauer
{"title":"Chronically Traumatized Children's Ability and Willingness to Engage in Trauma Therapy: Experiences with The Sleeping Dogs Method.","authors":"Sarah B Schoorl, Marc J Noom, Bregtje van Elven, Karlijn F Andeweg, Danny J C de Bakker, Olaf Goorden, Suzan Polet, Heleen I J Sillekens, Eveline van Vugt, Geert-Jan Stams, Ramon J L Lindauer","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00872-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00872-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Engaging chronically traumatized children in treatment is often challenging, as they frequently have a history of failed interventions and significant behavioral issues. The Sleeping Dogs method, a specialized approach for preparing these children for trauma treatment, focuses on stabilizing and building their intrinsic motivation to engage in treatment. The aim of the present study was to examine the Sleeping Dogs method by interviewing 16 children and their practitioners about helpful factors in fostering willingness to discuss traumatic experiences and engaging in trauma treatment. Results suggest that the Sleeping Dogs method is effective in helping children to become both willing and able to talk about their traumatic experiences and engage in trauma treatment. Children and practitioners especially valued the Sleeping Dogs method's proactive and motivational approach with its focus on autonomy and the vital role of supportive adults in the child's environment. Future studies should examine implementation processes, adherence factors, and the method's efficacy across various child profiles.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1329-1345"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546175/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Trauma Symptoms, Life Satisfaction, and Perceived Happiness as Predictors of Mental Health in Displaced Children and Adolescents in Niger.","authors":"Guido Veronese, Chiara Fiscone, Ihab Saleh, Ilaria Grazzani, Federica Cavazzoni","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00876-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00876-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This cross-sectional study examined relationships among trauma symptoms, mental health, life satisfaction, and perceived happiness in 265 displaced and refugee children in Niger (M age = 11.06). Guided by a socio-ecological and resilience-informed framework, the study explored both risk and protective factors. Results showed that life satisfaction was the strongest predictor of mental health, followed by perceived happiness, while trauma symptoms were not significant predictors. Unexpected findings included a negative association between life satisfaction and happiness and better outcomes among non-educated children, suggesting important cultural and contextual influences. The findings support strength-based, culturally sensitive interventions that prioritize relational and school-based resources to promote resilience.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1777-1789"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546244/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Savannah B Simpson, Bailey R Dow, Samuel D McQuillin
{"title":"Examining the Role of Natural Mentors in the Relationship Between Childhood Abuse, Life Satisfaction, and Depression: Findings from Add Health.","authors":"Savannah B Simpson, Bailey R Dow, Samuel D McQuillin","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00873-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00873-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The current study investigated the impact of childhood abuse (i.e., physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect) on life satisfaction and depression in adulthood, while also examining the role of natural mentors. Natural mentors are nonparental adults from one's social network (e.g., teachers, coaches, extended family, community members) who provide guidance and support. Data were drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health) across Waves I, III, and IV. The sample included individuals who indicated that they did (<i>n</i> = 11,434) and did not (<i>n</i> = 3,708) have a natural mentor at any time since the age of 14 years. Majority of participants identified as White (62.2%), followed by African American or Black (22.4%), Hispanic or Latinx (16.1%), Asian or Pacific Islander (7.9%), Other (8.9%), and American Indian or Native American (3.6%). Multigroup mediation analysis results indicated that all forms of childhood abuse negatively impacted life satisfaction, which in turn increased depressive symptoms in adulthood. The direct influence of childhood abuse on depression was also significant. Although life satisfaction significantly mediated the relationship between childhood abuse and depression, the presence of a natural mentor did not mitigate these effects. Thus, natural mentors did not buffer against the negative outcomes associated with exposure to childhood abuse. More research is needed to understand the interaction between natural mentoring relationships and childhood abuse.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1319-1328"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546225/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Yunqi He, Lindsey M Weiler, Eunyoung Park, Haoran Zhou, Ana Mireya Díaz, Heather N Taussig
{"title":"Coping Strategies, ACEs, and Mental Health Among Adolescents with Child Welfare Involvement.","authors":"Yunqi He, Lindsey M Weiler, Eunyoung Park, Haoran Zhou, Ana Mireya Díaz, Heather N Taussig","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00874-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00874-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescents involved in the child welfare system face disproportionate mental health risks, yet our understanding of how coping strategies function within this population remains limited. This cross-sectional study examined how various coping strategies relate to mental health functioning among 245 adolescents with child welfare involvement and whether these relationships were moderated by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). Using a modified version of the Children's Coping Strategies Checklist and the Trauma Symptom Checklist for Children, hierarchical regression analyses revealed both direct associations and significant moderation effects. Direct effects showed that positive cognitive restructuring was associated with lower anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, and problem-focused coping was related to fewer anger symptoms. Additionally, avoidance and distraction coping were associated with higher symptoms across multiple mental health concerns. However, simple slopes analyses revealed that ACEs altered these associations. Problem-focused coping showed negative associations with anger, dissociation, and sexual concerns at high ACE levels but not at mean or low ACE levels, and avoidance coping was positively associated with anxiety and depression at high and mean ACEs levels but not at low ACE level. Two strategies typically associated with fewer mental health problems showed a different pattern at high ACE levels (while showing no association at mean or low ACE levels): support-seeking was associated with increased anger symptoms and cognitive restructuring with increased sexual concerns. These findings highlight the context-dependent nature of coping and mental health associations and underscore the need for trauma-informed interventions that consider both adversity exposure and the development of coping skills tailored to adversity levels and available resources.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1755-1775"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901155","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Parental Warmth as a Moderator Between Family Conflict and the use of Corporal Punishment: Adolescents' Perspectives.","authors":"Natalia Valenzuela, Angela Trujillo, Martha Rocío González","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00867-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00867-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined whether parental warmth moderates the relationship between family conflict and physical punishment from the perspective of Colombian adolescents. A sample of 3,279 adolescents (ages 10-19) from six municipalities in Cundinamarca completed the Communities That Care Youth Survey. Using multiple linear regression and moderation analysis, results revealed that higher parental warmth buffers the association between family conflict and the use of Physical punishment. Specifically, as parental warmth increases, the impact of family conflict on CP decreases. These findings highlight the protective role of warm parenting in mitigating negative family dynamics and have important implications for developing interventions and public policies to reduce harsh discipline in Colombia.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1743-1753"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Youth Impacted by a Family Member's Substance Use: A Qualitative Exploration of Life Course Experiences and Coping.","authors":"Cathrine Hørte, John-Kåre Vederhus, Eirik Abildsnes","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00869-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00869-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Many reports describe how children and youth are negatively impacted by substance use in their household. Less is known about how they cope. Moreover, there is a scarcity of research that analyses empirical data through a theoretical lens. The aim of the present study was two-fold: to explore the experiences and coping strategies of youth growing up impacted by a family member's substance use, and to examine how these findings relate to pertinent theory. The participants were 17-21 years of age and had participated in a psychoeducational programme for affected family members. We conducted in-depth interviews (<i>n</i> = 6), applying Systematic Text Condensation in a thematic cross-case analysis. Discussions of the findings were informed by insights from the Salutogenic Model of Health. Two main themes emerged. First, growing up with substance use is a lonesome and demanding experience. Second, children and youth cope using methods that may become problematic-such as supressing emotions and trying to be self-supported-as well as strategies aimed at fostering independence and focusing on constructing a better future. By discussing our findings in the context of salutogenic theory, we gained insights into the multifaceted aspects of coping, which may inform practice and facilitate movement towards health in this population.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1731-1742"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546171/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jacqueline Vanessa Stam, Remy Vink, Lucy Ille Matti, Liesbeth Speelman
{"title":"Build your Own Buddy: Feasibility of a Low-threshold Group Intervention for Young Children in South Sudan.","authors":"Jacqueline Vanessa Stam, Remy Vink, Lucy Ille Matti, Liesbeth Speelman","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00843-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00843-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In areas with a long history of conflict, like South Sudan, children and their parents can suffer from cumulative, ongoing, and intergenerational trauma. This can have serious consequences for their present and future well-being. Still, mental health care - also for children - is not prioritized by schools or NGOs. This paper describes the design and main conclusions of a trauma-informed mental health and psychosocial support intervention. The intervention targeted young children (aged 5 to 7) and their parents/caregivers in four remote and conflict-affected areas in South Sudan. The intervention comprised 12 group sessions for children with parallel sessions for parents that were delivered by lay community counsellors after a short training. It aimed to improve emotion recognition, regulation and communication, through storytelling and experiencing. The theory of change consisted of five theoretical principles: 1) sense of safety, 2) psychoeducation, 3) connectedness, 4) empowerment, and 5) body-mind connection. Feedback gathered during and after three pilot cycles led to new insights and adaptations. Overall, the intervention appeared to be effective and was well received. The theory of change and the feasibility study might inspire those working on MHPSS with young children in adverse circumstances.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1307-1317"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546206/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901251","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L T Lysbert Zeinstra, W J Wendy Post, J Jana Knot-Dickscheit, A M N Anne-Marie Huyghen, A Abigail Akeredolu, F Femy Wanders, A T Annemiek Harder
{"title":"Integrated Inpatient Trauma-Focused Treatment for Children and Parents: A Longitudinal Evaluation Study.","authors":"L T Lysbert Zeinstra, W J Wendy Post, J Jana Knot-Dickscheit, A M N Anne-Marie Huyghen, A Abigail Akeredolu, F Femy Wanders, A T Annemiek Harder","doi":"10.1007/s40653-025-00789-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-025-00789-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This longitudinal study evaluated the outcomes of the KINGS inpatient trauma-focused family treatment program for families experiencing complex and multiple problems. The program integrates trauma treatment for both parents and children with interventions targeting emotion regulation, parenting, and the parent-child relationship, delivered in an inpatient setting that provides safety and treatment intensity. A total of 68 families (132 children, 78 parents) participated, with data collected at baseline, post-treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Results showed significant reductions in child and parental trauma symptoms and child psychosocial problems, which were maintained across the follow-up period. Parenting stress and quality of family and parenting conditions also improved significantly during the program, although these gains showed a decline during the follow-up period, indicating the need for continued support. The findings highlight the potential of intensive inpatient trauma-focused treatment for families with severe trauma-related problems who have not benefited from previous interventions. Future research should further investigate mechanisms of change and strategies for sustaining outcomes after discharge.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 2","pages":"847-862"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13190960/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148017918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Childhood Maltreatment and Psychological Distress Among Adolescents and Young Adults Living with HIV in Zimbabwe.","authors":"Edson Chipalo, Ikenna Obasi Odii","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00861-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00861-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Childhood maltreatment is one of the global public health crises that contributes to increased risk of developing mental health problems for young people living with HIV in resource-constrained settings. This study examines the association between childhood maltreatment and psychological distress among adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYALWHIV) in Zimbabwe. This national cross-sectional survey used data from the 2017 Zimbabwe Violence Against Children Survey (N = 249 AYALWHIV). Four logistic regression models were performed to determine significant associations between childhood maltreatment and psychological distress as measured by Kessler 6 scale during the past 30 days. The findings indicated that AYALWHIV who experienced cumulative childhood maltreatment (58.8%; AOR = 3.43 [CI = 1.83-6.41]), including emotional abuse (69.7%; AOR = 3.43, CI = 1.83-6.41) and sexual abuse (58.8%; AOR = 2.97 CI = 1.05-8.41) were associated with higher odds of reporting moderate-to-severe psychological distress during the past 30 days after adjusting for other factors. Therefore, this study underscores the need for comprehensive interventions that prioritize tailored anti-stigma education, HIV prevention support groups, community violence prevention strategies, expanded access to mental health counseling services, and promotion of acceptance and empathetic environments for AYALWHIV in resource-constrained settings. Furthermore, integrating mental health and violence prevention services into HIV care through targeted policy initiatives is critical for building coordinated and sustainable support systems in communities where AYALWHIV lives in Zimbabwe.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1295-1306"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901174","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
David Puvaneyshwaran, Ai Tan, Tzy Hyi Wah, Jungup Lee
{"title":"<i>\"They Keep Thinking I'm Bad</i>, <i>so I Look at My Strengths\"</i>: Navigating Bullying as Young Persons with Disabilities in Singapore.","authors":"David Puvaneyshwaran, Ai Tan, Tzy Hyi Wah, Jungup Lee","doi":"10.1007/s40653-026-00866-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s40653-026-00866-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Young persons with disabilities (YPWDs) are disproportionately targeted by bias-based bullying due to stigma, perceived difference, and systemic ableism. While global literature documents this risk, there is limited qualitative research from non-Western contexts that center the lived experiences of YPWDs. This study addresses that gap by exploring the retrospective narratives of 22 adults in Singapore who experienced bias-based bullying during their schooling years. Using phenomenological research design and inductive thematic analysis, the study uncovers how bias-based bullying was experienced not as isolated incidents but as chronic, intersecting forms of harm, including verbal taunts, physical aggression, social exclusion, and cyberbullying. These experiences reinforced feelings of inferiority and altered participants' sense of belonging and identity during formative years. Findings highlight the lasting emotional toll of bias-based bullying, including mental health struggles, school disengagement, and diminished self-esteem, with effects persisting into adulthood. Yet, several participants also described processes of resistance and identity reclamation, reframing their disabilities as strengths and developing resilience over time. The study contributes to growing calls for inclusive, culturally grounded approaches to disability, education, and anti-bullying interventions. It urges schools to move beyond individual behavior management to address the structural and cultural forces that perpetuate exclusion. This includes examining institutional practices, increasing disability visibility and representation, and co-creating strategies with YPWDs. In centering the voices of disabled individuals in Singapore, the study affirms their expertise in shaping responses to bias-based bullying and offers critical insight into the emotional and developmental costs of ableism across the life course.</p>","PeriodicalId":44763,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child & Adolescent Trauma","volume":"19 3","pages":"1721-1729"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13546221/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148901126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}