Functioning Mediates the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Work Adjustment in a Sample of Adults With Disabilities

To enhance work-related interventions, this study assessed adults with disabilities regarding their exposure to childhood trauma, current functioning, and efficacy to make appropriate work adjustments. A sample of 648 adults self-reported their disabilities and completed surveys related to childhood maltreatment, functioning, and work adjustment. Childhood trauma did not have a significant direct impact on work adjustment; functioning mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and adult work outcomes. One way to enhance work outcomes for adults with disabilities and trauma histories is to target functioning so that people can make appropriate work adjustments necessary to retain and maintain employment.