Trauma exposure as a predictor of general health outcomes and trauma-related beliefs among older adults living in an adverse environment

Abstract

Objectives: Older adults living in adverse environments such as crime-heavy areas within South African townships are often exposed to potentially traumatic and violent circumstances. Research has not sufficiently explored the relationship between trauma exposure and general health outcomes or trauma-related beliefs among older adults living in adverse environments. This study addresses this gap in literature.

Method: This study used a quantitative approach with a cross-sectional design. 195 participants completed the Life Adversities Screener (LADS), the General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), and the Trauma Belief Inventory (TBI).

Results: Explorative analyses showed that anxiety and insomnia were associated with female sex, discrimination, injury, family violence, and interpersonal violence. Moreover, four of the five trauma types were associated with self-perception, worth, and mistrust.

Conclusion: In later life and in circumstances where trauma exposure is common, trauma remains associated with detrimental health effects, self-perception, mistrust, and a negative worldview. These findings argue for the prevention and treatment of trauma-related pathologies across the lifespan.

Keywords: Trauma exposure; adverse environment; general health; older adults; trauma-related beliefs.