Examining the Relationship Between Child Maltreatment, Executive Functioning, and trauma appraisal

Problem A current problem is that although child maltreatment has been demonstrated to be negatively associated with both executive functioning and trauma appraisal (leading to feelings of shame, self-blame, etc.), there is not an established model within the literature that explains the relationship between child maltreatment, executive functioning, and trauma appraisal. The purpose of this study was to develop a model that displayed the relationship between child maltreatment, executive functioning, and trauma appraisal. Additionally, this study sought to discover differences in trauma appraisal and executive functioning based on the type of child maltreatment experienced. Method This study employed a quantitative, non-experimental, exploratory, cross-sectional, and correlational design. Data was derived from questionnaires administered to participants who were not randomly assigned to conditions or groups. Participants aged 18-22 years old were chosen in order to acquire those who had more recently experienced child maltreatment. Participants resided within the United States and were administered questionnaires via Alchemer, an online research platform. Participants were screened using the following question, and those who respond Yes were included in the study: "Prior to age 18, have you ever experienced physical abuse, sexual abuse (consensual or non-consensual), emotional abuse, or neglect from a parent or adult who was responsible for your care (e.g., family friend, teacher, etc.)?" In addition to collecting demographic information, the survey measured type of child maltreatment, executive function, and trauma appraisal. Child maltreatment was measured via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and its subscales: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical neglect, and emotional neglect. Executive function was measured via the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function – Adult (BRIEF-A) and its subscales: behavior regulation and metacognition. Trauma appraisal was measured via the ...