Testing the empirical integration of threat-deprivation and harshness-unpredictability dimensional models of adversity

Recent dimensional models of adversity informed by a neurobiological deficit framework highlights threat and deprivation as core dimensions, whereas models informed by an evolutionary, adaptational and functional framework calls attention to harshness and unpredictability. This report seeks to evalu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Development and psychopathology 2022-05, Vol.34 (2), p.513-526
Main Authors: Usacheva, Maria, Choe, Daniel, Liu, Siwei, Timmer, Susan, Belsky, Jay
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adaptation
Cognition
Cognitive ability
Complications
Factor analysis
Humans
Neurobiology
Neurosciences
Psychopathology
Risk assessment
Risk factors
Sexual Behavior
Special Issue Article
Substance use
Substance-Related Disorders
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Summary:Recent dimensional models of adversity informed by a neurobiological deficit framework highlights threat and deprivation as core dimensions, whereas models informed by an evolutionary, adaptational and functional framework calls attention to harshness and unpredictability. This report seeks to evaluate an integrative model of threat, deprivation, and unpredictability, drawing on the Fragile Families Study. Confirmatory factor analysis of presumed multiple indicators of each construct reveals an adequate three-factor structure of adversity. Theory-based targeted predictions of the developmental sequelae of each dimension also received empirical support, with deprivation linked to health problems and cognitive ability; threat linked to aggression; and unpredictability to substance use and sexual risk-taking. These findings lend credibility to utility of the three-dimensional integrative framework of adversity. It could thus inform development of dimensional measures of risk assessment and exploration of multidimensional adversity profiles, sensitive to individual differences in lived experiences, supporting patient-centered, strength-based approaches to services.
ISSN:0954-5794
1469-2198
DOI:10.1017/S0954579422000013