Journal of Emergency Practice and Trauma

The Cost of Cumulative Trauma: The Mediating Role of Callous-Unemotional Traits in the Development of Psychopathology among Institutionalized Children in India

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Kinnari Kashyap 1
Satyanada Panda 2

1 Christ University

2 Department of Psychology, Sikkim University

https://doi.org/Doi:10.34172/jept.1846
Abstract
Early childhood trauma can cause long term psychological as well as medical deficiencies. Childhood trauma, especially cumulative trauma can cause neurobiological changes impacting their development and cause changes in the brain function. These changes are responsible for the behavioural and cognitive dysfunctions. The purpose of the study is to examine the association between cumulative trauma and behavioural problems via callous unemotional traits among institutionalised children. Data were collected from a total of 314 samples, Girls=167 and Boys=147, from age group 13 to 17 years (Mage=15). Purposive sampling was done to collect the data from child care institutes residing in four districts of Assam, India. Linear regression analysis indicated that cumulative trauma as well as age of onset of trauma were significant predictors of externalising problems, internalising problems, personal adjustment and school problems. Additionally, mediation analysis resulted that callousness and unemotional traits partially mediated the link between cumulative trauma and the components of behavioural problems. Uncaring was found not to be a significant mediator in the relationship. This study has potential implications by demonstrating that cumulative trauma as well as callous unemotional trait is important to target in prevention programs among children who reports experiencing trauma.

Keywords

cumulative trauma
callous unemotional traits
psychopathology
Subjects

  • Receive Date 26 November 2025
  • Accept Date 19 July 2026

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