Marsha Runtz

The primary focus of my research is the examination of the long-term sequelae of child maltreatment and dysfunctional parenting during childhood. In addition, I’ve looked at the impact of relational violence, sexual assault, and revictimization in adolescence and adulthood. Along with my research collaborators and graduate students, I have conducted a series of studies on the long-term psychological sequelae of child sexual, physical, and emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and disengaged parenting. Outcomes I have examined include dissociation, depression, substance abuse, physical and sexual health concerns, borderline-personality related symptoms, adult attachment, and intimate partner violence. I have also explored several important mediating variables that appear to influence the potential negative outcomes of adverse childhood experiences on later adjustment. These include adult attachment, social support and intimate relationship satisfaction, coping and meaning-making, parental support, and resilience. Overall, my program of research aims to elucidate the long-term sequelae of adverse childhood experiences and relational violence across the lifespan, to highlight positive factors, and to suggest targets for intervention and treatment of adult survivors to enhance life quality.

Interests

• Clinical psychology
• Child maltreatment

Dr. Runtz is not accepting new students for 2023

Publications

Briere, J., Runtz, M., Rassart, C.-A., Rodd, K., & Godbout, N. (2020). Sexual assault trauma: Does prior childhood maltreatment increase the risk and exacerbate the outcome? Child Abuse & Neglect, 103(3):104421.  DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104421

Godbout, N., Daspe, M.-È., Runtz, M., Cyr, G., & Briere, J. (2019). Childhood maltreatment, attachment, and borderline personality–related symptoms: Gender-specific structural equation models. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11(1), 90-98.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/tra0000403

Briere, J., Runtz, M., Eadie, E., Bigras, N., & Godbout, N. (2018). The Disorganized Response Scale: Construct validity of a potential self-report measure of disorganized attachment. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 11(5), 486-494. DOI: 10.1037/tra0000396

Rosen, L., Runtz, M., Eadie, E., & Mirotchnick, C. (2017). Childhood victimization and physical health in women:  The mediating role of adult attachment.  Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 35(5-6), 1182-1205. doi: 10.1177/0886260517693001

Briere, J., Runtz, M., Eadie, E., Bigras, N., & Godbout, N. (2017).  Disengaged parenting: Structural equation modeling with child abuse, insecure attachment, and adult symptomatology. Child Abuse & Neglect, 67, 260-270. doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2017.02.036