The relationship between different forms of childhood abuse and subsequent body dysmorphic disorder and complex PTSD symptoms among Israeli women.

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Authors: Yael Lahav, Marylene Cloitre, Philip Hyland, Mark Shevlin, Menachem Ben-Ezra, Thanos Karatzias
Cited by: 2

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