Childhood Trauma in New parents

Key things to know What the evidence shows
How common is it? General adult exposure applicable; new-parent-specific prevalence NE
Is it more common among new parents? Parenthood frequently activates memories/beliefs about one's own childhood
Are new parents at higher risk? #N/A
How much higher is the risk? Parent ACEs associated with offspring mental-health problems r≈.17
How often can it be missed? #N/A
Does it show up differently among new parents? Very Strong Yes
How might it look different? “I don't want to become my parents,” difficulty tolerating crying, overprotection, emotional shutdown, guilt, control and fear of repeating patterns
What commonly occurs alongside it? #N/A
What can it be confused with? Normal parenting anxiety; postpartum disorders; current relationship trauma
Common screening tool ACE Questionnaire — Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire
Separate screening tool for new parents None
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