The other interaction observed in both childhood trauma models was between childhood trauma and primary caregiver education level, such that liability to alcohol use initiation conferred by trauma exposure was greater in girls whose primary caregivers had less than a high school level of education. As in the case of single-parent-household status, primary caregiver education level is an indicator of economic advantage but may capture other aspects of family environment and parental attitudes as well, so possible interpretations of this finding should include explanations other than those directly related to household income level, e.g., affordability of mental health care. For example, perceptions that mental health professionals may not appreciate the additional stressors experienced by individuals in low-income communities or the lower likelihood that signs of trauma would be detected by teachers or school counselors in schools with more limited resources may also impede seeking help that could reduce risk for alcohol use following traumatic events.
