The relationship between different forms of childhood abuse and subsequent body dysmorphic disorder and complex PTSD symptoms among Israeli women.
Abstract
= 217) were classified as having a history of childhood abuse. Background variables, BDD symptoms, and the classification and symptoms of PTSD and complex PTSD were assessed online via self-report measures. Results indicated elevated BDD scores in childhood abuse survivors and relationships between symptoms of BDD, PTSD, and DSO in childhood abuse survivors. Levels of emotional abuse served as a trans-diagnostic risk factor for PTSD, DSO, and BDD symptoms, whereas sexual abuse was associated with PTSD symptoms, and physical abuse had no significant effect. The strongest noncausal effect was found for PTSD and DSO symptoms, followed by BDD and DSO symptoms and BDD and PTSD symptoms. The present findings suggest that childhood abuse may be a risk factor for BDD and that trauma-related disorders and BDD are strongly associated in childhood abuse survivors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
Fields of Study & Subjects
Body Image and Dysmorphia Studies
Tattoo and Body Piercing Complications
Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment
Publication details
- Journal / source
- American Journal of Orthopsychiatry
- Publisher
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Publication date
- 8 January 2026
- Language
- EN