Exploratory factor analysis of interpersonal violence, posttraumatic stress, and substance misuse among disconnected emerging adults

Emerging adulthood, the transitional period from adolescence to adulthood that occurs between ages 18 and 25, is a high-risk period for both trauma exposure (Borsari et al., 2008) and substance misuse (Arnett, 2000, 2005). About 80-90% of trauma-exposed emerging adults will experience distressing symptoms of PTSD (Borsari et al., 2008). Studies of college-enrolled emerging adults suggest that these individuals may engage in maladaptive substance use in attempts to alleviate such distressing symptoms (e.g., Avant et al., 2011). However, to date, there are no studies that examine exposure to interpersonal violence, severity of traumatic exposure, symptoms of PTSD and substance misuse among disconnected urban emerging adults. The current study aimed to provide a better understanding of the clinical presentation following trauma in a community sample of emerging adults attending a General Educational Development (GED) program. All data were collected with questionnaires and interviews. All of the 102 participants reported exposure to at least one traumatic event (M = 6.96, SD = 2.94), and 80% reported witnessing or experiencing at least one episode of interpersonal violence. Principal axis factoring yielded a 3-factor model that is suggestive of self-medication, habituation to trauma, and comorbidity of substance misuse and posttraumatic stress. Implications for clinical practice and treatment, including adapting treatment for this unique population, are discussed.