Prevalence of recalled childhood emotional abuse among child welfare staff and related well-being factors

Abstract

This study examined 1) the prevalence of childhood emotional abuse retrospectively recalled by child welfare personnel, and 2) the relationship between emotional abuse and three measures of current well-being. Child welfare agency staff ( n = 253) completed the emotional abuse subscale of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, as well as published scales measuring self-esteem, satisfaction with life, and sense of social support. Findings included a roughly 30% rate of recalled emotional abuse. Among associated factors that were examined, emotional abuse level was most strongly related to lower self-esteem, lower satisfaction with life, and lower sense of social support. Implications for agency practice are discussed.