How Trauma Exposure and Recalled Emotion Socialization Collide: A Latent Profile Analysis of Emerging Adult Psychopathology

Emotion socialization (ES) is key in developing emotion competencies in childhood and sets the stage for how emerging adults (EAs) cope with traumatic experiences. However, no studies have examined how patterns of trauma exposure and ES relate to psychopathology. This study identified subgroups of EAs based on prior trauma exposure and recalled parental ES using latent profile analysis and then compared mental health outcomes across groups. Four profiles emerged, with exposure to interpersonal violence being the strongest distinguishing factor for profile membership. The lowest levels of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depression were found in the profile that reported both lower levels of trauma and more supportive socialization practices. Profiles that reported higher levels of trauma or less ES all reported similar levels of psychopathology. Findings suggest that lower levels of ES or less supportive ES in childhood are associated with increased risk for PTSS and depression after trauma.