title: A prospective study of the relationship between adverse life events and trauma in adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Research has demonstrated a relationship between the experience of life events and psychopathology in people with intellectual disabilities (ID), however few studies have established causal links and to date no prospective studies have utilised a measure of trauma that has been developed specifically for this population group.
  
  
  METHODS
  This 6-month prospective study examined longitudinal relationships between adverse life events and trauma in 99 adults with mild to moderate ID.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Life events during the previous 6 months were significantly predictive of levels of trauma as measured by the self-report Lancaster and Northgate trauma scales (LANTS), and the informant LANTS behavioural changes, frequency and severity sub-scales. This prospective causal relationship was demonstrated while controlling for any prior life events or pre-existing trauma, though the relationship was not moderated by social support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence of a causal relationship between adverse life events and trauma symptoms is important for treatment planning and funding allocation.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Health and Society, Sir James Spence Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wigham
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Hatton
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology*; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012944:Social Support; D040921:Stress Disorders, Traumatic / Q000209:etiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adverse life events; intellectual disabilities; social support; trauma