Caregiver trauma exposure and the caregiver-child relationship: Exploring the role of stress
Abstract
Caregiver exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) can negatively affect the caregiver-child relationship; PTEs also contribute to stress, which further strains this relationship. The current study examined the unique and combined effects of caregiver PTE exposure and caregiver stress on the perception of the caregiver-child relationship from both caregivers’ and children’s perspectives. Participants were 164 female caregivers with trauma-exposed children (Mage = 9.41, SD = 1.87). Path analysis results indicated that more caregiver PTE exposure and higher stress were associated with lower caregiver-perceived strength in the caregiver-child relationship. Higher stress enhanced this negative relationship between caregiver PTE exposure and perceived relationship strength. No direct or indirect effects were observed from the youth’s perspective. Findings emphasize the value of considering caregivers’ adversities and stress when working with trauma-exposed children.
Publication Title
Journal of Family Trauma Child Custody and Child Development
Recommended Citation
Beyer, M., Howell, K., Gilliam, H., & Bartelli, D. (2025). Caregiver trauma exposure and the caregiver-child relationship: Exploring the role of stress. Journal of Family Trauma Child Custody and Child Development, 22 (1), 137-156. https://doi.org/10.1080/26904586.2023.2295333
