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Cited by 29Child Abuse and TraumaPsychology and Mental HealthPsychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research

Complex trauma in childhood, a psychiatric diagnosis in adulthood: Making meaning of a double-edged phenomenon.

McCormack, Lynne, Thomson, Sherilyn·2017·Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
DOI 10.1037/tra0000193
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Abstract

Objective No known research explores the double-edged phenomenon of childhood trauma/adult mental health consumer. Therefore, whether receiving a psychiatric diagnosis in light of childhood trauma supports or impedes psychological wellbeing in adult life, is unknown. Method Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) provided the methodological framework. Data were collected through the use of semistructured interviews. Analysis sought thematic representation from subjective interpretations of the experienced phenomenon: childhood trauma survivor/mental health consumer. Results Data revealed 1 superordinate theme, Childhood Betrayal, Identity, and Worthiness, that overarched 5 subordinate themes a) legacies, (b) the label, (c) putting the jigsaw together, (d) stigma, and (e) better than good enough self. Legacies of doubt that perpetuated "not good enough" delayed the development of an adult identity of worthiness in these participants. Importantly, the right diagnosis separated self as worthy-adult from self as traumatized child and facilitated positive change for breaking harmful cycles, self-valuing, and increased empathy, wisdom, and patience. Conclusions Findings inform future research and therapeutic practice in regards to adult help seeking behaviors in light of childhood trauma, often postponed through fear of stigma associated with mental health diagnoses and services. Similarly, findings suggest that ameliorating wellbeing may be dependent on a therapeutic relati…

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Crossref · 10.1037/tra0000193

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  • Complex trauma often has a major impact on the physical and mental health of victims and on the types of interpersonal relationships they have in different social contexts throughout their lives.

    “These traumas often have a major impact on the physical and mental health of victims and the types of interpersonal relationships they have in different social contexts throughout their lives”

    From Complex Racial Trauma: Evidence, Theory, Assessment, and Treatment (2023) · cites this paper as McCormack & Thomson, 2017

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Authors
McCormack, L., & Thomson, S.
Affiliations
University of Newcastle Australia (AU)
ORCID
McCormack, Lynne
Venue
Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy
Publisher
American Psychological Association (APA)
Published
2017-03
Volume
9
Issue
2
Pages
156-165
ISSN
  • 1942-9681 (ISSN-L)
  • 1942-969X
DOI
10.1037/tra0000193
OpenAlex
W2528230297
Cited by
29
References
43
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 1 · 2022: 4 · 2021: 2 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 2 · 2018: 4 · 2017: 2
FWCI
3.58
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Psychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Figshare (submittedVersion)
  • NOVA (University of Newcastle Australia) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychology and Mental Health
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychoanalysis and Psychopathology Research
Keywords
complex trauma, childhood trauma, psychiatric diagnosis, identity, worthiness, stigma, help-seeking, self-worth, self-blame, therapeutic relationship, psychological well-being
MeSH terms
Adult Survivors of Child Adverse Events, Adaptation, Psychological, Adult, Mental Disorders, Female, Humans, Interview, Psychological, Male, Middle Aged, Self Concept, Qualitative Research, Social Stigma

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