Psychol Trauma. 2025 Sep 15. doi: 10.1037/tra0002034. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Although other studies have linked trauma to the risk of developmental delay, few have focused on primarily Latino immigrant children. A cross-sectional survey was completed by caregivers of immigrant children (2-5 years of age) who visited the clinic during January to March 2023.
METHOD: In addition to capturing demographic characteristics, the survey included assessments of trauma symptomatology, lifetime traumatic events, and child development and behavior using validated screening tools. Eighty-two children were eligible and included in the study.
RESULTS: Logistic regression analyses revealed associations between both lifetime traumatic events (OR = 3.26, 95% CI [1.33, 9.38], p = .029) and presence of trauma response symptoms (OR = 6.10, 95% CI [1.42, 26.2], p = .015) with a risk for developmental delay, controlling for covariates. Trauma response symptoms also were associated with behavioral/emotional problems (OR = 15.1, 95% CI [2.78, 82.3], p = .002).
CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates an association between trauma and development among primarily Latino immigrant children and emphasizes the importance of screening for trauma, monitoring developmental milestones, and developing interventions to mitigate negative effects of trauma on young immigrants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).
PMID:40952672 | DOI:10.1037/tra0002034
