Many of the survivors after the terror attack at Utøya July 22nd 2011, experience that the attack is central to their identity and life story. Researchers find that the perception of an attack as central may be an effect, not a cause, of their PTSD symptoms.

20 % of Norwegian adolescents have experienced being pulled by the hair, pinched, shaken or slapped by their parents. 5 % have experienced severe physical violence, like being kicked, beaten with a sharp object or beaten up.

All forms of childhood violence and abuse can lead to later physical health issues. This study shows that posttraumatic stress reactions can link violence and abuse with the development of physical health problems.