Towards a more comprehensive understanding of PTSD and parenting

Laurien Meijer; Molly R Franz; Maja Deković; Elisa van Ee; Catrin Finkenauer; Rolf J Kleber; Elise M van de Putte; Kathleen Thomaes

doi:10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152423

Towards a more comprehensive understanding of PTSD and parenting

Compr Psychiatry. 2023 Nov:127:152423. doi: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152423. Epub 2023 Sep 11.

Authors

Laurien Meijer¹, Molly R Franz², Maja Deković³, Elisa van Ee⁴, Catrin Finkenauer⁵, Rolf J Kleber⁶, Elise M van de Putte⁷, Kathleen Thomaes⁸

Affiliations

¹ Sinai Centrum Arkin Mental Health Care, Amstelveen, Laan van de Helende Meesters 2, 1186 AM Amstelveen, the Netherlands; Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands. Electronic address: laurien.meijer@sinaicentrum.nl.
² Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County, 1000 Hilltop Circle, Baltimore, MD 21250, United States.
³ Department of Clinical Child and Family Studies, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
⁴ Psychotraumacentrum Zuid Nederland, Den Bosch, Bethaniestraat 10, 5211 LJ 's Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Thomas Van Aquinostraat 4, 6525 GD Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
⁵ Department of Interdisciplinary Social Science, Utrecht University, Padualaan 14, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands.
⁶ Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
⁷ Wilhelmina Children's Hospital / University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, the Netherlands.
⁸ Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centre/VUmc, Laan van de Helende Meesters 2, 1186 AM Amstelveen, the Netherlands.

PMID: 37722204
DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152423

Abstract

Background: The impact of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) on parenting and the parent-child relationship has been well-documented in the scientific literature. However, some conceptual and methodological challenges within this research field remain.

Procedure: We reflect on a number of challenges that we identified while examining the literature in preparation of an individual participant data meta-analysis on the relationships between PTSD and parenting.

Findings: We address 1) the presence of 'trauma-islands'; 2) the need for transdiagnostic theoretical frameworks for mechanisms between PTSD and parenting; 3) the lack of developmental perspectives; 4) the overuse of self-reported retrospective measures; 5) the need to study more diverse samples and cultural contexts; and 6) the lack of research on resilience and post-traumatic growth in parenting. Based on these reflections, we offer suggestions on strategies for responding to these challenges through: 1) welcoming open science; 2) working towards shared theoretical frameworks; 3) doing more longitudinal research 4) expanding the methodological palette; 5) centering lived experience; and 6) taking systemic inequality into account.

Conclusion: With this commentary, we aim to open a discussion on next steps towards a more comprehensive understanding of the association between PTSD and parenting, and inspire collaborative research.

Keywords: Post-traumatic stress disorder; intergenerational transmission; parent-child relationship; parenting; trauma.

Publication types

Meta-Analysis
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Humans
Parent-Child Relations
Parenting
Retrospective Studies
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / diagnosis
Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic* / epidemiology