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Bond N, McLafferty M, Lapsley C, Ennis E, Murray E, Heenan D, O’Neill S. Familial and Bullying Victimisation: The Impact of Early Adversity Within the Home and Peer Settings on Late Adolescence and Adult Psychopathology. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:43-53. [PMID: 36776629 PMCID: PMC9908779 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-022-00481-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Awareness of adverse childhood experiences and their impact on adult psychopathology primarily focuses on adversities within the home. There is limited insight into the impact of adversities across peer environments. OBJECTIVE This study investigates 19 items related to adverse experiences across the home, school and peer environments and their relationship to 12-month and lifetime psychopathology. DATA Secondary analysis of the Ulster University Student Well-being Study. The dataset included completed responses across all selected variables for 729 participants. METHOD AND RESULTS Latent profile analysis identified a low adversity profile, bullying adversity profile and higher prevalence adversity profile. Regression analysis of the three profiles and demographics variables indicated their impact on adult psychopathology lifetime and 12-month prevalence rates. CONCLUSION Schools and HE institutions should acknowledge the impact of childhood adversities. In doing so, it is important to consider the deeper impact of bullying due to its links with psychopathology across the lifespan. Educational institutions should take appropriate steps to mitigate continued exposure as students' progress through the education system.
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Affiliation(s)
- N.I. Bond
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - M. McLafferty
- Centre for Personalised Medicine, Ulster University, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
| | - C. Lapsley
- Centre for Personalised Medicine, Ulster University, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
| | - E. Ennis
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
| | - E. Murray
- Centre for Personalised Medicine, Ulster University, Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
| | - D. Heenan
- School of Applied Social and Policy Sciences, Ulster University, Jordanstown, Northern Ireland
| | - S.M. O’Neill
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
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McGlinchey E, Armour C. Childhood adversities and post-military-service incarceration in a male UK Armed Forces Veteran sample from Northern Ireland. JOURNAL OF MILITARY, VETERAN AND FAMILY HEALTH 2023. [DOI: 10.3138/jmvfh-2021-0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
LAY SUMMARY Experiencing stressful or traumatic events in childhood has been linked with negative outcomes later in adulthood, one of which is involvement with the criminal justice system. This study explored whether there was a relationship between experiencing stressful life events in childhood and incarceration in adulthood (post-military service) among UK Armed Forces Veterans based in Northern Ireland (NI). Some individuals may experience only one type of adversity, some may experience many types of adversities, and others may experience no adversity. This study used a statistical technique (latent class analysis) that allowed the authors to explore how adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) varied among a sample of UK Armed Forces Veterans residing in NI. It revealed four groups of Veterans, each characterized by different types of experiences in childhood. The authors explored whether belonging to these groups increased the likelihood of incarceration, finding that those who experienced multiple adversities were at greater risk of incarceration after military service. Personnel involved in the care and support of military personnel should consider military personnel’s history of multiple ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily McGlinchey
- Research Centre for Stress, Trauma, and Related Conditions, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Cherie Armour
- Research Centre for Stress, Trauma, and Related Conditions, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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Profiles of adverse childhood experiences and protective resources on high-risk behaviors and physical and mental disorders: Findings from a national survey. J Affect Disord 2022; 303:24-30. [PMID: 35120966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.01.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) vary across culture and their heterogenous impact on health outcomes is understudied. The present population-based study determined latent classes of adverse childhood experiences, examined socio-demographic variations between identified classes, and elucidated the interactions between class membership and protective resources (i.e., positive mental health and perceived social support) on high-risk behaviors (i.e., smoking, binge drinking, and suicidality), chronic physical disorders, and mental disorders. METHODS A total of 4441 adult Singapore residents were recruited from the community. Lifetime mental disorders and suicidality were assessed on structured clinical interviews by trained interviewers, while chronic physical disorders, smoking, binge drinking, ACE, perceived social support, and positive mental health were self-reported. RESULTS Latent class analysis identified three distinct profiles; a multiple adversities class endorsing elevated levels of abuse and violence (6.1%), an emotionally neglected and bullied class (7.6%), and a low adversities class (86.2%). The multiple adversities class was associated with younger age, female gender, lower education status, more high-risk behaviors (e.g. binge drinking and suicidality), and physical/mental disorders. A three-way interaction was observed between ACE profiles, social support, and positive mental health on suicidality; high social support and positive mental health reduced the risk of suicidality in the multiple adversities class. LIMITATIONS Results may not be generalizable beyond the Singapore population due to cultural factors. CONCLUSIONS Clinical assessment should adopt a person-centered approach to identify profiles of ACE and determine their interactions with protective resources on high-risk behaviors and physical/mental disorders; patient-tailored treatment may subsequently build upon these profiles.
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Travers Á, McDonagh T, McLafferty M, Armour C, Cunningham T, Hansen M. Adverse experiences and mental health problems in perpetrators of intimate partner violence in Northern Ireland: A latent class analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 125:105455. [PMID: 35078089 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trauma and adverse experiences among perpetrators of intimate partner violence (IPV) have been associated with more serious patterns of offending. OBJECTIVE To examine 1) how traumatic and adverse experiences cluster together and co-occur among IPV perpetrators, and 2) whether different patterns of trauma exposure are associated with specific mental health problems. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The sample consisted of 405 convicted IPV perpetrators from Northern Ireland. METHODS Data was collected between 2018 and 2019. Latent class analysis identified typologies of exposure to traumatic and adverse experiences. A series of binary logistic regression analyses explored associations between the identified classes and five categories of probable mental health problems. RESULTS Three adversity classes were identified: a baseline class (59.2%), characterised by relatively low levels of exposure to most types of adversity; a 'childhood adversity' class (32.9%), with high levels of childhood adversity; and a 'community violence and disadvantage' class (7.9%), which had high probabilities of endorsing adversities related to economic hardship and community violence. Regression analyses showed that the childhood adversity class was significantly associated with increased likelihood of all categories of mental health problems, except for neurodevelopmental disorders (ORs = 1.77-3.25). The community violence and disadvantage class was significantly associated with probable mood and anxiety disorder (ORs 3.92 and 8.42, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Different patterns of exposure to adversities were associated with distinct mental health problems in the present sample. Early intervention to prevent poly-victimisation, the clustering of adversities in childhood and the resulting accumulation of risk may be a useful component of preventive responses for IPV in Northern Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Áine Travers
- ThRIVE, Psychology Department, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark.
| | - Tracey McDonagh
- ThRIVE, Psychology Department, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark.
| | - Margaret McLafferty
- School of Biomedical Science, Ulster University, Magee Campus, Londonderry BT48 7JL, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Cherie Armour
- Centre for Stress, Trauma and Related Conditions (STARC), School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, University Rd, Belfast BT7 1NN, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Twylla Cunningham
- Psychology Department, Probation Board for Northern Ireland, 80-90 North St, Belfast BT1 1LD, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Maj Hansen
- ThRIVE, Psychology Department, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark.
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O'Neill S, O'Connor RC. Suicide in Northern Ireland: epidemiology, risk factors, and prevention. Lancet Psychiatry 2020; 7:538-546. [PMID: 32006466 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(19)30525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The rates of suicide and self-harm in Northern Ireland are high, and have increased from 143 registered suicides in 1996 to 313 in 2010 and 318 in 2015. This Review summarises the epidemiology of suicidal behaviour, as well as the evidence from a small number of studies that have identified risk factors associated with high suicide rates in Northern Ireland. These risk factors were mental illness, trauma, exposure to the conflict known as the Troubles, deprivation, relationship problems, employment difficulties, financial difficulties, being LGBT, childhood adversities, and alcohol or drug use. We highlight the key challenges and opportunities for suicide prevention, emphasising a so-called lifespan approach. More needs to be done to address the relationship between substance misuse and suicide. Future research and prevention efforts should also focus on the transgenerational effect of the conflict, youth suicide, suicide prevention in minority groups, and the criminal justice context. The provision of and access to suicide-specific psychosocial interventions need to be prioritised, more support for people in crisis is required, as well as interventions for mental illness. Protect Life 2, the national suicide prevention strategy, needs to be implemented in full. Given the legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland, all suicide prevention efforts should be trauma informed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan O'Neill
- School of Psychology, Ulster University, County Londonderry, Ulster, UK.
| | - Rory C O'Connor
- Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory, Institute of Health & Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Vallath S, Ravikanth L, Regeer B, Borba PC, Henderson DC, Scholte WF. Traumatic loss and psychosis - reconceptualising the role of trauma in psychosis. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1725322. [PMID: 32341762 PMCID: PMC7170325 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1725322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Literature suggests that the occurrence of psychological trauma (PT) from various negative life experiences beyond events mentioned in the DSM-criterion A, receives little to no attention when comorbid with psychosis. In fact, despite research indicating the intricate interplay between PT and psychosis, and the need for trauma-focused interventions (TFI), there continue to be mixed views on whether treating PT would worsen psychosis, with many practitioners hesitating to initiate treatment for this reason. This study, therefore, aimed to understand patient perspectives on the role of PT in psychosis and related treatment options. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted using in-depth interviews with individuals experiencing psychosis. The Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale was administered on a predetermined maximum variation sample resulting in two groups of participants- those with moderate-mild disability (GAF 54-80; n = 10) and those experiencing moderate-severe disability (GAF 41-57; n = 10). With the former group, a semi-structured interview schedule was used, while with the latter, owing to multiple symptoms and difficulty in cognitive processing, a structured interview schedule was used. Results from interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) indicated that traumatic loss was central to experienced PT, but received no attention; this often contributed to the psychotic experience and/or depression, through maintenance factors such as cognitive distortions and attenuated affective responses. Further, the experience of loss seems to be more consequential to trauma-related symptoms than the event itself. Participants opined strongly the need for TFI and the role of it in promoting recovery from psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Vallath
- Department of Psychology, The Banyan, Chennai, India
- The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health (BALM), Centre for Social Action and Research, Kanchipuram, India
- Faculty of Science, Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in the Health & Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - L. Ravikanth
- The Banyan Academy of Leadership in Mental Health (BALM), Centre for Social Action and Research, Kanchipuram, India
| | - B. Regeer
- Faculty of Science, Athena Institute for Research on Innovation and Communication in the Health & Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - P. C. Borba
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston School of Medicine, MA, USA
| | - D. C. Henderson
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston School of Medicine, MA, USA
| | - W. F. Scholte
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Netherlands
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Identifying Distinct Latent Classes of Adverse Childhood Experiences Among US Children and Their Relationship with Childhood Internalizing Disorders. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2019; 50:668-680. [PMID: 30796680 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-019-00871-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the relationship between latent classes of adverse childhood experience (ACEs) and internalizing disorders (anxiety and depression) among US children. The 2016 National Survey of Children's Health data for children aged 6-17 was used. Latent class analysis was performed to identify distinct sub-types of ACE exposures and survey-weighted logistic regression models were employed to determine whether these classes were associated with any or comorbid childhood internalizing disorders, after controlling for meaningful covariates. Four latent classes were identified: income hardship, divorce, mental health or substance abuse exposure, and high ACEs overall. Children in three of the four classes were significantly more likely to have any childhood internalizing disorder when compared to children reporting no ACEs, while children in all classes were significantly more likely to have a comorbid history of anxiety and depression. Thus, children exposed to ACEs should receive necessary mental health screenings and treatments.
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McLafferty M, Armour C, Bunting B, Ennis E, Lapsley C, Murray E, O'Neill S. Coping, stress, and negative childhood experiences: The link to psychopathology, self‐harm, and suicidal behavior. Psych J 2019; 8:293-306. [DOI: 10.1002/pchj.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Cherie Armour
- Psychology Research InstituteUlster University Coleraine UK
| | | | - Edel Ennis
- Psychology Research InstituteUlster University Coleraine UK
| | - Coral Lapsley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified MedicineBiomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre Altnagelvin Hospital Site, Londonderry UK
| | - Elaine Murray
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified MedicineBiomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Clinical Translational Research and Innovation Centre Altnagelvin Hospital Site, Londonderry UK
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McLafferty M, Ross J, Waterhouse-Bradley B, Armour C. Childhood adversities and psychopathology among military veterans in the US: The mediating role of social networks. J Anxiety Disord 2019; 65:47-55. [PMID: 31158649 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversities can impact negatively on psychological health across the lifespan. Many military veterans have a history of adverse childhood experiences, which when combined with deployment related traumas, can lead to high levels of psychopathology. Social networks can however be protective. The current study aimed to identify typologies of childhood adversity in U.S. military veterans (n = 3092) and explore relationships between the adversity typologies and PTSD, mood and anxiety disorders, utilising data from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III (NESARC-III). The mediating role of quality and quantity of social networks were examined. Latent class analysis identified four adversity classes; 1) baseline, 2) household dysfunction, 3) maltreatment, and 4) multi-adversity. Individuals in the adversity classes (2-4), especially those who experienced multi-adversity had higher rates of psychopathology. The quality of social networks played an important mediating role, while quantity of networks did not. Those who experienced adversity were less likely to have supportive social networks, therefore adversity had both a direct and indirect impact on psychopathology. The findings highlight the importance of developing and maintaining social networks following military life. Recommendations include interpersonal skills training and programmes which may help them engage back into the community and enhance relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- M McLafferty
- Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom.
| | - J Ross
- Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | | | - C Armour
- Ulster University, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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McLafferty M, O’Neill S, Armour C, Murphy S, Ferry F, Bunting B. The impact of childhood adversities on the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the Northern Ireland population. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal ideation (SI) is understudied in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). We aim to determine SI rates among IBD outpatients and to evaluate predictors of SI. MATERIALS AND METHODS This is a prospective observational study of consecutive adult IBD outpatients over 18 months. Patients were screened for depression and SI using patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9). Demographic data were obtained from electronic medical record. Regression modeling was used for predictor analyses. RESULTS In total, 71 of consecutive 1352 IBD outpatients had SI. Significant correlations between SI and depression severity, tricyclic antidepressants (TCA), IBD-related quality of life, and low vitamin D levels were seen. Univariate regression showed that depression severity, TCA use, and quality of life predicted SI. Multivariate regression showed depression severity (β=0.46; P=0.002) and TCA use (β=0.31; P=0.012) made unique contributions. CONCLUSIONS SI is associated with depressive severity and less directly with IBD activity. Low-dose TCA, often used for chronic abdominal pain, is also a risk factor. Identifying the subset of IBD patients most vulnerable to SI can facilitate proper referrals to behavioral services and prevent progression to completed suicides.
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O'Neill S, McLafferty M, Ennis E, Lapsley C, Bjourson T, Armour C, Murphy S, Bunting B, Murray E. Socio-demographic, mental health and childhood adversity risk factors for self-harm and suicidal behaviour in College students in Northern Ireland. J Affect Disord 2018; 239:58-65. [PMID: 29990663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prevalence estimates of suicidal behaviour in the college student population are consistently higher than rates for the general adult population. This study examines mental health disorders and childhood adversities as predictors of self-harm and suicidal behaviours. METHODS The Ulster University Student Wellbeing study commenced in September 2015 as part of the WHO World Mental Health Surveys International College Student Project. In Northern Ireland (NI) 739 students participated (462 female, 274 male and 3 other specified), with the WMH-CIDI used to examine psychopathology. Mean age was 21 years old. RESULTS Thirty-one percent endorsed suicidal ideation (24.3% of males and 36.9% of females) with almost 1 in 5 students having made a plan for suicide in the 12 months prior to the survey. Latent profile analysis revealed three profiles of childhood adversity (high, moderate, and low risk). Logistic regression analyses showed that there was an increased likelihood of all queried self-harm and suicidal behaviours in those who were not heterosexual orientation, and among those with either moderate or high levels of childhood adversities. Probable alcohol dependence was associated with a significantly increased likelihood of suicide attempt or self-harm with either a suicide plan or a suicide attempt. LIMITATIONS Influences of self-report measures and the generalizability of the sample are discussed. CONCLUSIONS Policies and strategies for early identification of those with mental illnesses or adversities that increase their risk, should be prioritised. It would also be useful to identify individuals at risk in secondary schools to allow for additional support to be offered to them during the key time of transitioning into higher education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan O'Neill
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Margaret McLafferty
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Edel Ennis
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus BT52 1SA, United Kingdom.
| | - Coral Lapsley
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Tony Bjourson
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, United Kingdom
| | - Cherie Armour
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Sam Murphy
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Brendan Bunting
- Psychology Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine Campus BT52 1SA, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Murray
- Northern Ireland Centre for Stratified Medicine, Ulster University, C-TRIC, Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry/Londonderry, United Kingdom
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McLafferty M, O'Neill S, Murphy S, Armour C, Ferry F, Bunting B. The moderating impact of childhood adversity profiles and conflict on psychological health and suicidal behaviour in the Northern Ireland population. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:213-220. [PMID: 29459280 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/11/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversities are key etiological factors in the onset and persistence of psychopathology. In Northern Ireland the Troubles also impacted on the population's psychological health. This study used data from the Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress a collaborative epidemiological study which used the WMH-CIDI to assess mental health disorders in a nationally representative sample (Part 2, n = 1986). The aims of the study were to assess co-occurrences of childhood adversities and investigate the impact of adversity profiles and conflict experience on psychopathology and suicidal behaviour. Latent Class Analysis uncovered 3 discrete childhood adversity profiles, a low, medium, and high risk class. Individuals from higher risk adversity profiles displayed significantly increased odds of having psychological problems, with conflict exposure also impacting on psychopathology. However, the study revealed that the impact of conflict exposure on suicidal behaviour was moderated by latent class membership and that some adversity may actually be protective. The findings highlight the need to consider that, while adversity can have a negative impact on psychopathology, a lack of adversity early in life may hinder some people from developing adequate coping strategies. Further research is required to identify adversity patterns and other interacting factors that are protective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret McLafferty
- Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 7JL, UK
| | - Siobhan O'Neill
- Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 7JL, UK. sm.o'
| | - Sam Murphy
- Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 7JL, UK
| | - Cherie Armour
- Ulster University, Coleraine Campus, Cromore Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland BT52 1SA, UK
| | - Finola Ferry
- Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 7JL, UK
| | - Brendan Bunting
- Ulster University, Magee Campus, Northland Road, Derry, Northern Ireland BT48 7JL, UK
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