Comparison of Self-Reported Childhood Maltreatment Between East and West Germany

Abstract

The socioecological model emphasize the relevance of political, cultural and economic socialization effects for the prevalence of childhood maltreatment, which are analyzed by comparing child maltreatment between East and West German subjects who came of age before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Using an online survey, a representative general population sample with respect to age, gender distribution and income was assessed regarding child maltreatment and current psychological distress using standardized self-report instruments. Of 507 study participants, 22,5% reported being born and socialized in East Germany. They reported significantly less emotional abuse than the 77,5% who grew up in the FRG. The East and West German subjects did not differ in any other form of abuse. Our findings underline the importance of socialization and enculturation effects on memory, which should be considered when interpreting the results.