Childhood trauma and parenting in at-risk mental state: Clarifying pathways and expanding perspectives

Abstract

Jovani et al’s study contributes important evidence linking childhood trauma (CT) and parental socialization with at-risk mental state (ARMS) in non-clinical adolescents, demonstrating the mediating role of low levels of parental affection and communication in this relationship. This letter commends the study’s strengths while also identifying key issues that warrant further attention, including the limitations of cross-sectional design, potential perceptual biases, conceptual overlap between CT and parenting, and limited cultural generalizability. We advocate for longitudinal, culturally sensitive, and multi-informant approaches to further refine ARMS risk models, strengthen theoretical distinctions between CT and parenting, and inform targeted prevention strategies across diverse populations. We also extend the discussion by highlighting promising directions for future research.

Keywords: Childhood trauma; Parenting styles; At-risk mental state; Conceptual overlap; Cultural generalizability; Mediation; Moderation; Intergenerational transmission of trauma

Core Tip: At-risk mental state (ARMS) in adolescents is a critical and pressing concern, as adolescence represents a sensitive developmental period marked by heightened vulnerability to the onset of psychiatric disorders. Jovani et al’s study timely investigates the roles of childhood trauma (CT) and family dynamics in ARMS risk, offering a novel framework. However, the complex conceptual overlap between trauma and parenting, along with theoretical challenges, warrants careful consideration. We advocate for disentangling CT types to refine the current model and for employing longitudinal, cross-cultural, and multi-method approaches to further elucidate this critical topic.