A prospective study of the relationship between adverse life events and trauma in adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities

J Intellect Disabil Res. 2014 Dec;58(12):1131-40. doi: 10.1111/jir.12107. Epub 2013 Dec 23.

Abstract

Background: Research has demonstrated a relationship between the experience of life events and psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), however few studies have established causal links and to date no prospective studies have utilised a measure of trauma that has been developed specifically for this population group.

Method: This 6-month prospective study examined longitudinal relationships between adverse life events and trauma in 99 adults with mild to moderate ID.

Results: Life events during the previous 6 months were significantly predictive of levels of trauma as measured by the self-report Lancaster and Northgate trauma scales (LANTS), and the informant LANTS behavioural changes, frequency and severity sub-scales. This prospective causal relationship was demonstrated while controlling for any prior life events or pre-existing trauma, though the relationship was not moderated by social support.

Conclusions: Evidence of a causal relationship between adverse life events and trauma symptoms is important for treatment planning and funding allocation.

Keywords: adverse life events; intellectual disabilities; social support; trauma.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / psychology*
  • Life Change Events*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Social Support
  • Stress Disorders, Traumatic / etiology*
  • Young Adult