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Stressful Childhood Experiences and Clinical Outcomes in People with Serious Mental Illness: a Gender Comparison in a Clinical Psychiatric Sample

  • RESEARCH ON OUTCOMES OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES
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Abstract

Objective: This study examines stressful childhood experiences (SCE) including childhood abuse and family context in a cohort of 183 people diagnosed with serious mental illness (SMI) and compares gender specific rates of SCE and clinical outcome variables. Methods: 111 men and 72 women with SMI were interviewed regarding SCE and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, dissociative symptoms, risk for self-harm, and adult re-victimization. Results: Both genders endorse high rates of SCE. Cumulative SCE (the sum of seven SCE) are linked to increased levels of all four outcome variables after adjusting for demographic factors. Conclusions: The study addresses the need to assess cumulative SCE in a population with SMI and its effects on clinical outcomes in both genders.

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This research was funded by the New York State Office of Mental Health. The authors report no competing interests.

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Correspondence to Kristina Muenzenmaier.

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Muenzenmaier, K., Schneeberger, A.R., Castille, D.M. et al. Stressful Childhood Experiences and Clinical Outcomes in People with Serious Mental Illness: a Gender Comparison in a Clinical Psychiatric Sample. J Fam Viol 29, 419–429 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9601-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-014-9601-x

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