Effect of Trauma on Oppositional Defiance Symptom Severity

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between physical and sexual traumatic events on oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptomatology. Previous researchers have not identified the precedence of variables, direction, and strength of the relationship between trauma and ODD. The study aimed to address those gaps in literature and understand the unique relationship between traumatic experiences and ODD symptomology. This study used participants aged 18 or older who reported past experiences in childhood and adolescence and may have experienced disruptive behavior symptoms. Current research has found some connection to effects of trauma on how children respond to their environment, both behaviorally and emotionally. Effects of trauma and risk factors, including adversity, neglect, and maltreatment, have profound effects on the development of young children (Webster, 2022). Children are more inclined to respond to trauma with misbehavior and emotional dysregulation if they do not have adequate support and coping strategies. Therefore, it can be simple to focus on fixing behavior rather than what responses communicate. It is essential to examine children facing extreme adversity and trauma to better understand how we can help and support them as a community. The current study aimed to identify if an ODD diagnosis was predictive of individuals with an experience of physical or sexual trauma.