Patterns of childhood adversity and their associations with internalizing and externalizing problems among at-risk boys and girls

Abstract

BackgroundDifferent types of childhood adversity often cluster and overlap, underlining the importance of studying likely patterns of adversity co-occurrences and their impact on child functioning. Further sex-specific investigations of adversity co-occurrences and their associations with child mental health are warranted. ObjectiveTo investigate if different sex-specific patterns of childhood adversity exist among at risk-children living in Denmark and to explore if divergent constellations of adversity are differentially associated with externalizing and internalizing problems. Participants and settingParticipants (N = 2198) were a sample of children ages 1–17 who have been in contact with the Danish child protection system due to suspected child abuse. The study included existing data collected as a part of child case procedures. MethodLatent class analysis was used to identify patterns of adversity co-occurrences among girls and boys, respectively. Inter-class differences on age and child mental health were assessed using ANOVAs. ResultsGreater variation and complexity in adversity exposure was found among girls (5 classes) compared to boys (3 classes). The female classes differed on age (p < .001, η2 = 0.06), internalizing (p < .001, η2 = 0.05), and externalizing problems (p = .002, η2 = 0.02). The male classes differed on internalizing (p < .001, η2 = 0.02) and externalizing problems (p < .001, η2 = 0.04). Overall, classes characterized by multiple adversities displayed higher scores of mental health problems compared to less exposed classes. ConclusionsExposure to multiple adversities is common among at-risk children. Information on different sex-specific patterns of adversity co-occurrences can guide intervention planning for affected children.