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Childhood trauma and metabolic syndrome in men and women

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  • Lee, Chioun
  • Tsenkova, Vera
  • Carr, Deborah

Abstract

The long-term effects of childhood trauma on health are well-documented, but few population-based studies have explored how childhood trauma affects the risk of developing metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adulthood. Using data from 1234 adults in the second wave of Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), we investigate (1) the extent to which childhood abuse affects the risk of developing MetS in adulthood; (2) how the severity of different types of abuse (emotional, physical, sexual, or cumulative abuse) affects this risk; and (3) the extent to which adult socioeconomic status (SES), maladaptive stress responses, and unhealthy behaviors mediate the association. We also test whether these associations differ significantly by sex. We find that emotional and physical abuse increase the risk of developing MetS for both sexes, whereas sexual abuse is a predictor for women only. For both sexes, individuals who experienced more cumulative abuse have a greater risk of developing MetS. Adult SES partially explains the association between childhood abuse and MetS. Maladaptive stress responses and unhealthy behaviors further explain the association. Among the potential mediators, poor sleep quality was a significant pathway for men and women, while stress-induced eating was a significant pathway for women only. Our findings suggest that the well-documented health consequences of early life trauma may vary by the nature of the trauma, the victim's sex, and the coping mechanisms that he or she employs.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Chioun & Tsenkova, Vera & Carr, Deborah, 2014. "Childhood trauma and metabolic syndrome in men and women," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 105(C), pages 122-130.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:105:y:2014:i:c:p:122-130
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2014.01.017
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    5. Robin Dion & Lareina LaFlair & Melissa Azur & Michaella Morzuch & Angela D'Angelo, "undated". "Trauma-Informed Approaches for Programs Serving Fathers in Re-Entry: A Review of the Literature and Environmental Scan," Mathematica Policy Research Reports ddc0030dd4b1434cb0eb912c2, Mathematica Policy Research.
    6. Claire Devine & Hannah Cohen-Cline, 2022. "Social and Behavioral Pathways between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Poor Adult Physical Health: Mediation by Early Adulthood Experiences in a Low-Income Population," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-12, August.

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