Students who misuse alcohol are at a much greater risk for things such as violent crimes, driving under the influence, alcohol poisoning, and health-related consequences that come with alcohol misuse. In France, in 2009, it was reported that 22% of the deaths in the age group of 15-34 were due to alcohol misuse, while that number was only 7% in those over 65. Later in 2017, it was reported that 54.1% of those between the age of 18-24 had at least one heavy episodic drinking (this study classifies that as six or more drinks on one occasion) in the past year, compared to 19.7% in those 65 and older. Childhood trauma is a risk factor for various types of psychopathologies that correlate with alcohol misuse. The goal of this study was to examine the relations between childhood trauma, minimization of these events, and alcohol misuse in a French college student sample.
This study consisted of surveys completed by students ages 18 and older and was conducted over two months. A total of 1180 recorded and complete responses were included in this study. Childhood trauma was measured via a standardized self-report inventory measurement that is called The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF). The CTO-SF also measures the minimization-denial scale. Minimization refers to a complex mechanism of denial of trauma and the under-report of childhood trauma experiences. Alcohol misuse and demographics were also measured in this study.
The results of this study show that the interaction of childhood trauma with alcohol misuse increased with more significant minimization. CTQ scores of the participants were found to predict their AUDIT total score. This study brought to light that there is a need to consider underreported trauma experience as an essential cognitive mechanism regarding a patient’s treatment initiation and retention in clinical practice.
Takeaway: Interactions of childhood trauma on alcohol misuse increased with more significant minimization. CTQ scores of the participants were found to predict their AUDIT total score.