Psychological Assessment and Treatment of Emerging Adults Exposed to Complex Trauma

Abstract

Over the past 20 years, there has been ongoing interest in the concepts of complex trauma and emerging adulthood. Building upon the principles of developmental psychopathology, the authors attempt to inform the creation of developmentally sensitive, evidence-based clinical practice by integrating these two areas of scholarship. After defining the concept of complex trauma, the authors review the literature on contemporary formulations of emerging adulthood, and they summarize the prospective research on developmental outcomes during emerging adulthood associated with exposure to complex trauma. They then review the conceptual and empirical literature on the psychological assessment and treatment of complex trauma, highlighting resources relevant to the assessment and treatment of emerging adults. As the research on the assessment and treatment of complex trauma is just beginning, the authors conclude by briefly highlighting some future directions for the integration of research and practice. Throughout the discussion, there is an emphasis on the need for continued development of comprehensive, developmentally sensitive, empirically validated approaches to psychosocial intervention designed to reduce psychopathology and promote developmental competence in order to reduce the personal and social costs of complex trauma across the lifespan.