The buffering effect of belonging on the negative association of childhood trauma with adult mental health and risky alcohol use

More than half of the American population has experienced at least one childhood traumatic event in their lifetime, which can lead to alcohol misuse and mental and physiological health issues. A sense of belonging in close relationships is hypothesized to promote resiliency against the negative outcomes of childhood trauma experiences. Using a sample of 654 adults aged 26-40 years old, this study examined the relationship between childhood traumatic experiences and adult risky alcohol use mediated by mental health status and perceptions of belonging. Results indicated that having a greater sense of belonging was associated with greater mental health and reduced reports of risky alcohol use. The negative total association of childhood trauma on adult mental health was partially mediated by a sense of belonging, indicating that a sense of belonging may buffer the impact of childhood trauma on later mental health outcomes and therefor potentially decrease later risky alcohol use in adulthood. Recommendations for systemic treatment and increasing close relationships across the lifespan as resiliency factors are explored. Implementations for public policy changes for Marriage and Family Therapists are discussed. (C) 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.