Parental Descriptions of Childhood Avoidance Symptoms after Trauma

Authors

Zoe Blair-Andrews
Alison Salloum
Stephanie Evans
Vicky Phares
Eric A Storch

Publication Date

3-1-2024

Journal

Traumatology

DOI

10.1037/trm0000238

PMID

38818343

PMCID

PMC11134604

PubMedCentral® Posted Date

3-1-2025

PubMedCentral® Full Text Version

Author MSS

Published Open-Access

yes

Keywords

avoidance, young children, posttraumatic stress disorder, parent avoidance

Abstract

Recognizing and diagnosing the avoidance symptom cluster of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in young children has been challenging. This study examines caregivers' descriptions of young children's avoidance reactions. By describing parents' examples of childhood avoidance, clinicians, researchers, and educators may be able to provide more specific psychoeducation which may improve identification of avoidance behaviors in young children. Caregivers (N=73) of young children (age 3-7 years) participated in a semi-structured diagnostic clinical interview prior to enrolling in a clinical trial for childhood trauma. The assessment regarding the caregiver's description of the child's avoidance was audio recorded and transcribed for a thematic analysis. Most caregivers reported that the child experienced avoidance. Avoidance of conversation and places were the most reported type of child avoidance. Other types of avoidance included avoiding people, things, interpersonal situations, and activities. Some caregivers thought that their child avoided thoughts and feelings, but other caregivers were unsure if their child was avoiding these types of private experiences. Caregiver avoidance and non-avoidance also emerged as a main theme. Diagnosis for PTSD in young children relies on accurate symptom identification. Current results provide insight into how caregivers describe avoidant reactions in their children which may help professionals with accurate diagnoses, as well as help caregivers become better reporters themselves.