Likelihood Of Abuse Research Articles

'Sleeping with the enemy': a cross-sectional study on psychological and emotional violence among couples living in Portugal during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study aimed to evaluate psychological and emotional violence in relation with sociodemographic characteristics and anxiety and depression symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in a sample of Portuguese residents. A cross-sectional online study using snowball sampling collected data on demographics, socioeconomic factors, mental health (anxiety and depression symptoms) and couple psychological and emotional violence. The study spanned three months and included 519 individuals aged 18 or above in a relationship since January 2020 or earlier. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, t-tests, chi-squared tests, logistic regression models (Odds-Ratio [OR] and 95% Confident Interval [CI]), and cluster analysis (K-medoids) using R software (significance threshold of 0.05). The sample was predominantly composed of women (78.8%) with an average age of 36.8years and 79% holding higher education degrees. Two clusters emerged: Cluster 1 (n=420) presented fewer psychological and emotional violence victims, while Cluster 2 (n=99) presented more. Older age (OR=1.026, 95%CI 1.000-1.052) and depression symptoms (OR=1.163, 95%CI 1.080-1.252) increased the likelihood of psychological and emotional abuse. Men also had 2.87 times higher odds of being victims (95%CI 0.203-0.599). The study underscores the need for comprehensive interventions and prevention measures to address psychological and emotional violence by acknowledging it as a public health concern and pushing for interdisciplinary methods.

The impact of unemployment on alcohol consumption: A panel data analysis

Several books and articles published in the last few decades have looked at how alcohol use has affected the job market globally. This study attempted to determine how specific labour market shocks (such as losing a job) influence alcohol intake on an individual level to clarify the existing research. We went deeper into the subject of whether or not losing one's job increases the likelihood of alcohol abuse. We estimated models with fixed effects using panel data at the individual level from the National Income Dynamic Survey's Waves 1 and 5. (NIDS) to account for possible omitted variable bias. We calculated the gender-specific impacts of alterations in work status on the total intake of alcohol, occurrences of binge drinking and the diagnosis of alcohol addiction and dependency. The results consistently demonstrate a favorable and substantial impact of unemployment on drinking habits and these findings remain strong even when subjected to various robustness tests. The study concludes that being unemployed for more than a year causes people to consume less alcohol, perhaps as a result of financial stress. It is impossible to determine a precise cause-and-effect link but high unemployment rates may contribute to mental health problems including stress and depression which might be detrimental to public health. It is advisable to take into account the individual expenses and consequences related to alcohol consumption when making fiscal policy decisions aimed at boosting the economy particularly during economic recessions.

Alcohol: a cardiovascular friend or foe?

This review comprehensively explores the multifaceted implications of alcohol consumption on health. While acknowledging the potential cardiovascular benefits of moderate alcohol intake, concerns arise with excessive use, especially related to some specific cancer types. The detailed evidence emphasizes the importance for healthcare professionals to convey a balanced message, advocating moderation for cardiovascular benefits while acknowledging potential cancer risks linked to excessive consumption. Regarding moderate consumption, the overall balance favors intake, supported by studies like the Global Burden of Disease Study 2020. The intricate risk-benefit ratio of alcohol use demands tailored explanations based on individual characteristics and habits, considering overall risk profiles for cardiovascular diseases, alcohol-related cancers (for example, breast cancer has been associated with moderate alcohol consumption, although the evidence is not conclusive), and other health issues. Factors such as age, pregnancy, cognitive tasks, and personal history influencing the likelihood of alcohol abuse should inform personalized advice on moderate alcohol consumption. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including government agencies and healthcare organizations are crucial for providing up-to-date, comprehensive information. Clinical guidelines stress the complexities of the alcohol-heart healthy relationship, advocating moderation and individualized advice. Within personalized advice, the significance of moderate alcohol consumption, particularly in the form of wine within a Mediterranean diet, is highlighted. Wine is seen as a fundamental component of a wholesome diet, aligning with healthy dietary patterns, rather than a medicinal remedy. Acknowledging wine's integration into sound nutrition contributes to heart-healthy lifestyles, in line with Mediterranean dietary traditions. Healthcare professionals play a pivotal role in guiding patients on alcohol intake, considering specific health status and risk factors. Public health campaigns focus on educating individuals to make informed choices about alcohol consumption in the broader context of cardiovascular health. In conclusion, achieving cardiovascular health without undue risks necessitates a balanced and personalized approach to alcohol consumption, guided by healthcare professionals and public health recommendations.

Juveniles and Animal Abuse in Finland – Prevalence and Associations with Antisocial Behavior

ABSTRACT In this paper, we analyze the prevalence of animal abuse and its associations with antisocial behavior using representative random school sample from Finnish adolescents (N = 5674; Mage = 15.3). According to our results, the lifetime prevalence of animal abuse in adolescents was 5%, with 13% reporting exposure to animal abuse. The likelihood of animal abuse was positively associated with bullying and nonviolent delinquent behavior, low empathy toward animals, and exposure to animal abuse. Violent offending was not found to be associated with animal abuse, highlighting bullying-specific dynamics. Our findings partly comply with the deviance generalization hypothesis, which suggests that animal abuse is part of a more generic pattern of antisocial behavior among adolescents. We conclude that because animal abuse and antisocial behavior are related many of the same tools used to address and prevent bullying or criminal behavior can be expected to work, at least partly, in preventing animal abuse. Collaboration and information-sharing between animal and child welfare agencies are important and warrant further investigations and development.

Can Social Media Reach Isolated Domestic Abuse Victims? Evidence from a Randomized Control Trial During the Covid-19 Lockdown

Abstract Research Questions Can social media reach isolated domestic abuse victims? Secondly, does providing victims with more information and a safer means of contacting police change their likelihood of domestic abuse reporting? Data This research is based on high-frequency and confidential administrative data on the population of domestic abuse calls during the period of the Covid-19 pandemic but also the preceding years from two police forces—the Thames Valley Police (TVP) and the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). Methods To answer the research questions, we ran a randomized control trial (RCT) using a novel social media campaign promoting a method of reporting through Facebook and Instagram. We randomized the treatment across geographic areas in one police force and across individuals in another police force. Findings We found that while social media is an effective tool for engaging on domestic abuse topics, particularly with younger individuals, our intention-to-treat estimates between the treatment and control areas and individuals did not show any significant difference in domestic abuse reporting. One of the reasons to explain this finding was the geographically imprecise social media targeting features on Facebook. Conclusions Our research contributes to the scarce experimental literature on how to increase domestic abuse reporting among victims with, to the best of our knowledge, the first randomized test of the effects of a social media campaign on engagement and reporting. As police forces across the UK, but also worldwide, start using social media more to engage with the citizens they serve, these results provide interesting and valuable implications for their effectiveness and the role of technology in the future policing. Our results contribute to the understanding of how police forces can use social media to reach specific groups of people, such as younger cohorts.

Maxim of Politeness to Improve Language Principles: Case Study on Mata Najwa Trans 7 Talk Show Program

This study investigated how politeness helped speakers and other participants used language as capital during interactions to reduce the likelihood of verbal abuse. This paper used qualitative descriptive research methods. The sample in this study was the Mata Najwa Trans 7 Talk Show Program. The instrument in this paper was observations on the Mata Najwa Trans 7 Talk Show Program. After the data were obtained, they were analyzed using narrative analysis. The results of this research showed that in the Mata Najwa Trans 7 Talk Show Program, six language principles were described: the maxim of wisdom, the maxim of generosity, the maxim of appreciation, the maxim of moderation, the maxim of consensus, and the maxim of sympathy. This study concluded that these six principles guide every speaker and interlocutor in improving the principle of language politeness. Therefore, this research helped to achieve state and national concord, which benefits the development of global peace.

Protection of children’s personal data in social networks in the context of the right to be forgotten

The article is devoted to a legal analysis of the protection of the confidentiality of children’s personal data on social networks in the context of the right to be forgotten and the General Data Protection Regulation. It is established that most social networks have their own usage rules, but their priority is to attract more users and company profit rather than the security of users’ personal data. Legal mechanisms for the implementation and protection of human rights in the digital environment are in the process of formation and improvement. It is proven that the application of the right to be forgotten has become one of the forms of personal data protection in social networks and on the Internet in general. Although initially the right to erasure emerged only at the level of the judicial practice of the Court of Justice of the EU, an effective mechanism has now been created to protect the individual’s right to delete outdated information about themselves, taking into account the balance between the right to privacy and the right to freedom of expression. Due to psychological immaturity and limited life experience, children and adolescents may casually disclose sensitive personal information, increasing the likelihood of abuse by both social networks and third parties. Therefore, minors receive special protection as vulnerable user categories according to the General Data Protection Regulation. It is argued that the incorporation of the right to be forgotten into EU legislation helps eliminate undesirable consequences of oversharing and restores minors’ ability to control their digital footprint. The terms of service of most social networks ensure additional protection of minors’ data and provide several options for deleting already disseminated information. Obstacles to the application of the right to be forgotten in social networks are identified, such as the lack of a developed mechanism for deleting photos or videos with minors published without the consent of the child or their parents by another user, the limited ability of users under 13 years old to request deletion without intermediaries, and the limited liability of social networks for the loss of information, data, and direct or indirect damages from such actions.

ПРОГНОЗУВАННЯ КІЛЬКОСТІ КРАДІЖОК В УМОВАХ ПОВОЄНОГО ЧАСУ В УКРАЇНІ

In the article, based on the probabilistic prognosis methodology, probabilistic indicators of the number of thefts in post-war Ukraine are calculated. There is the most powerful factors influencing acquisitive crime taking into account. The task is complicated by the reduced ability to obtain accurate socially significant information in wartime conditions, and this data greatly influences the accuracy of the prognosis. Prognostication under martial law is difficult when choosing a scenario that requires accurate input data, and the scenario approach calls into question the accuracy of the prognosis within the selected scenario. In this case, an option was chosen that seemed promising and is based on the use of probabilistic statistical methods, which are closely related to randomness. The dynamics of the postwar number of thefts should certainly be influenced by the state of alcohol abuse among criminals, as well as the likelihood of drug and other intoxicant abuse among criminals. And these probabilities also need to be forecasted. If during the war this indicator among the general population increased by one third and up to 11%, respectively, then after the war it should decrease among the general population and increase among the unemployed population, whose share will increase. As a result, it was found that a catastrophic scenario is unlikely, since the probable quantitative indicators of the number of thefts will be within the range of up to 5% of the indicator for the number of delinquent projected population of the country, equality to which or exceeding which would lead the development scenario exponentially, that is, completely uncontrolled development path. It has been established that the most favorable prognosis of the number of thefts in post-war Ukraine makes it possible to eliminate panic in this matter. However, the probabilistic prognosis does not exclude the possibility of exponential growth of this type of criminal offense in post-war Ukraine over the course of 4–5 years. Key words: probability, war, theft, crime, prognostication, factor.

Beware of Social Media Abuse

In this article, we will study the benefits and effects of social media in the current era of globalization. Social media has many benefits, such as increasing connectivity and empowering individuals, but its misuse has also become a major problem. This article provides an in-depth understanding of the negative effects of social media abuse, finds the source of the problem, and offers ways to reduce the likelihood of abuse.

Conditioned taste avoidance and conditioned place preference induced by the third-generation synthetic cathinone eutylone in female sprague-dawley rats.

Recently, use of the synthetic cathinone (aka "bath salt") eutylone has risen in the United States and globally. Due to its novelty in drug markets, its affective properties remain largely uninvestigated. In this context, drugs of abuse have both rewarding and aversive effects and understanding these effects, their relative balance, and factors that impact each are important to understanding the likelihood of drug use and abuse. This investigation attempted to characterize eutylone's rewarding and aversive effects in a combined conditioned taste avoidance/place preference assay. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were given 20-min access to saccharin, injected with one of five doses of eutylone (0, 3, 10, 18, 32 mg/kg; intraperitoneally; IP), and placed on one side of a place conditioning apparatus. On the following day, subjects were given 20-min access to water, injected IP with vehicle, and placed on the other side of the apparatus. After five conditioning cycles, place preference and saccharin avoidance were assessed. Eutylone induced significant taste avoidance but did not significantly increase time spent on the drug-paired side (relative to controls). Excluding animals with high initial side preference, however, eutylone induced a preference at all doses with the high dose group displaying higher preference than controls. There was no significant correlation between eutylone's aversive and rewarding effects. These data indicate that eutylone (like other synthetic cathinones) induces both rewarding and aversive effects and highlight the need to assess the impact of various factors on its affective properties (and their balance) and on their use and abuse. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The value of corporate cash holdings during the Covid-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT This paper investigates the value of corporate cash holdings during the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a sample of 147,512 firm-quarter observations of 51 countries, I find that the value of cash holdings strongly increased at the start of the pandemic in 2021, but diminished again in the later part of the pandemic. Using country-level measures of the impact of the pandemic, I further document that the value of cash is higher for firms that are located in countries with higher infection rates of COVID-19. Finally, I find that the positive effect of COVID-19 on the value of cash holdings is stronger in weak corporate governance countries with high infection rates in the first year of the pandemic, which is consistent with the argument that the likelihood of cash abuse is reduced in countries with weak corporate governance where COVID-19 hits hard.

Co-occurrence of bipolar disorder and personality disorders in the United States: Prevalence, suicidality, and the impact of substance abuse

BackgroundThis study investigates prevalence rates of specific personality disorders (PDs) in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and their impact on substance abuse and suicidality, addressing existing gaps in the literature. MethodsUsing Nationwide Inpatient Sample data (2016–2020), adult hospitalizations for BD with coexisting PDs were analyzed. Study variables were defined using ICD-10-CM codes. Prevalence of PD were reported as cases per 100,000 BD admissions. Regression models assessed the association between substance abuse and suicidality. ResultsAbout 993,000 admissions for BD were analyzed. The cohort was predominantly Caucasian (70.5 %) with higher female representation (54.5 %). The mean age was 41 years. 89.4 % of individuals had a Charlson Comorbidity Index score ≤ 1. The most common diagnostic subtype was manic episode of BD with or without psychotic features (32.3 %). Coexisting PDs were observed in 12.2 % of the population, with borderline PD (8.2 %) and antisocial PD (2.6 %) being most prevalent. Substance abuse was common (44.8 %), with cannabis (23.8 %), alcohol (19.4 %), cocaine (10.5 %), and opioids (9.6 %) being most reported. Substance abuse was higher in individuals with BD and PD (50 %) compared to BD alone (44.1 %). 596 suicide attempts were recorded (60 per 100,000 BD admissions). Substance abuse and coexisting PD in bipolar individuals elevated the likelihood of attempts (P < 0.001). LimitationsUse of administrative data (retrospective, inpatient); treatment not studied. ConclusionThe study reveals a notable prevalence of PDs in individuals with BD, with increased likelihood of substance abuse and suicide attempts in those with coexisting BD and PD compared to BD alone.

How I met your mother: Mitigating forced marriage in the United States

AbstractForced marriage in the United States is a hidden issue for a growing number of children and young people. Being trapped in a marriage severely impacts a person's well‐being, with long‐term psychological and physical ramifications. Forced marriage increases the likelihood of domestic violence and sexual abuse, depriving victims of autonomy. To lessen the number of forced marriages, this Note proposes emulating a United Kingdom statute. The statute provides a comprehensive approach with tailored programs and services to serve the needs of victims of forced marriages. Adopting this statute will create uniform law, making forced marriages illegal federally.

Characterizing child maltreatment fatalities among child victims with disabilities in the United States, 2010–2019

BackgroundThere has been little research on child maltreatment-related fatalities among children with disabilities. Despite being a minority of children in the United States, children with disabilities experience higher rates of victimization. ObjectiveTo characterize fatalities due to child maltreatment among children with disabilities in the United States. MethodsData from the National Violent Death Reporting System from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed to describe child maltreatment-related deaths among children with disabilities aged birth to 17 years. ResultsThere were 106 fatalities meeting the study criteria. The average age of the victims was 5.9 years old and 74.6 % were male. The most frequent suspected perpetrators of maltreatment-related fatalities were biological mothers (35.2 %), and most perpetrators were White (55.7 %). Analyses showed a statistically significant relationship between fatalities caused by neglect and diagnoses of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and/or traumatic brain injury. Overall, physical abuse and/or neglect resulting in a fatality among children with disabilities were significantly correlated with the relationship of the perpetrator to the victim. ConclusionsChildren with disabilities who died as a result of abuse were more likely to have autism spectrum disorder, a developmental disability, or other physical impairment, with physical abuse being the most prevalent type of abuse that resulted in death. To decrease the likelihood of abuse of disabled children, healthcare practitioners and caseworkers should work together to create strategies to help caregivers cope with the financial, mental, and physical stress that comes with raising children with disabilities.

Risk, Emotional Support, Child Abuse Potential, and Parenting During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated mitigation efforts created stress that threatened parent and child well-being. Conditions that increase stress within families heighten the likelihood of child abuse, but social support can mitigate the impact. This short-term investigation considered whether cumulative risk, COVID-19 specific risk, and emotional support (one aspect of social support), were associated with child abuse potential during the pandemic. Additionally, we investigated whether emotional support moderated the association between COVID-19 specific risk and child abuse potential, and associations between child abuse potential and emotionally positive and emotionally negative parenting. Participants included 89 parents, from a metropolitan area with a large number of economically distressed families, who completed online questionnaires. COVID-19 specific risk and emotional support each explained additional variance in child abuse potential beyond cumulative risk, but emotional support did not moderate the association between COVID-19 specific risk and child abuse potential. Consistent with expectations, child abuse potential was negatively associated with emotionally positive parenting and positively associated with emotionally negative parenting practices. Results highlight the importance of addressing both risks and supports at multiple levels for parents during times of stress.

Predictors of Making a Referral to Child Protective Services Prior to Expert Consultation

ObjectiveSuspicion for child abuse is influenced by implicit biases. Evaluation by a Child Abuse Pediatrician (CAP) may reduce avoidable child protective services (CPS) referrals. Our objective was to investigate the association of patient demographic, social and clinical characteristics with CPS referral before consultation by a CAP (preconsultation referral). MethodsChildren<5years-old undergoing in-person CAP consultation for suspected physical abuse from February 2021 through April 2022 were identified in CAPNET, a multicenter child abuse research network. Marginal standardization implemented with logistic regression analysis examined hospital-level variation and identified demographic, social, and clinical factors associated with preconsultation referral adjusting for CAP’s final assessment of abuse likelihood. ResultsAmong the 61% (1005/1657) of cases with preconsultation referral, the CAP consultant had low concern for abuse in 38% (384/1005). Preconsultation referrals ranged from 25% to 78% of cases across 10 hospitals (P < .001). In multivariable analyses, preconsultation referral was associated with public insurance, caregiver history of CPS involvement, history of intimate partner violence, higher CAP level of concern for abuse, hospital transfer, and near-fatality (all P < .05).The difference in preconsultation referral prevalence for children with public versus private insurance was significant for children with low CAP concern for abuse (52% vs 38%) but not those with higher concern for abuse (73% vs 73%), (P = .023 for interaction of insurance and abuse likelihood category). There were no differences in preconsultation referral based on race or ethnicity. ConclusionsBiases based on socioeconomic status and social factors may impact decisions to refer to CPS before CAP consultation.

Mumbling as a Potential Marker of Posttraumatic Distress

This study sought to examine whether mumbling might, for some youths, arise among traumatic sequelae. College students provided retrospective reports of mumbling and completed standardized measures of trauma history and posttraumatic distress (Brief Trauma Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory for Primary Care, Toronto Alexithymia Scale, and the Brief Fear of Negative Evaluation Scale). Mumbling was associated with a higher likelihood of sexual abuse but not other forms of trauma. Several measures of distress were significantly elevated for those who reported mumbling (Fear of Negative Evaluation, Difficulty Identifying Feelings, Difficulty Describing Feelings, and Anxiety – with the first two accounting for significant specific variance). Findings suggest that mumbling in young people could be a sign that encourages screening for sexual trauma and distress.

Uncovering the Roots of Psychological Abuse in the Workplace in Bangladesh

The workplace is a pivotal arena in the lives of employees, where they strive for professional growth and financial stability. In Bangladesh, with its diverse workforce, the workplace plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of millions. Using the Quarterly Labour Force Survey 2016-17 data conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, this paper delves into the roots of psychological abuse in the workplace in Bangladesh, aiming to inform policies and interventions that promote employee wellbeing and a healthy work environment. The sample size for this study comprises 159,791 economically active individuals. For the statistical analysis, both bivariate and multivariate analyses were applied. Logistic regression analysis reveals that younger workers, females, and those with lower levels of education have a higher likelihood of experiencing workplace psychological abuse. Moreover, working in certain sectors (e.g., manufacturing and services) and occupations (e.g., elementary occupations and working as an employee) increases the likelihood of abuse, as do temporary and full-time employment, hazardous work environments, and informal job arrangements. Urban locations also correlate with a higher probability of psychological abuse, while specific divisions within Bangladesh exhibit varying risks. These insights can inform targeted interventions and policies to foster a safer and more supportive work environment in Bangladesh.

WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM THE THREE MURDER CASE IN A FEE-BASED NURSING HOME IN JAPAN?

Abstract Japan enacted “The Act on the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Support for Caregivers of Elderly Persons and Other Related Matters” on 2006 April 1. Although the Act enabled the implementation of new programs and procedures to address abuse, elder abuse remains a cause of concern, particularly in institutional settings. This paper presents an elder abuse case that occurred in 2014 in a fee-based nursing home where a staff member murdered three residents. Although extreme, we chose to present this case because there is minimal research focused on fee-based nursing homes. Moreover, this case provides an opportunity to look broadly at factors that need to be addressed to reduce the likelihood of elder abuse in institutional settings. This paper first introduces facts about this case and discusses what can be learned to help increase an understanding about preventing future elder abuse cases in institutional settings.

ELDER MISTREATMENT AND RELATIONSHIP QUALITY: SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS USING DATA FROM THE NSHAP

Abstract As social networks shrink with age, older adults value the importance of interpersonal relationships with close others, such as partners, family and friends. Previous studies focused on perpetrators' and victims' characteristics; however, few studies examined the relationships with close others and the incidence of elder mistreatment. This study used the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project Wave 1 data (2005-06) to examine the correlations between relationship quality with close others and the occurrence of mistreatment among older adults (N = 3005). Based on spousal relationship literature using the NSHAP data, factor analysis was used to estimate factor scores conceptualizing two domains of relationship quality: relationship support (positive dimensions of relationship), and relationship strain (negative dimensions of the relationship). Logistic regression models were used to test the relationship between the relationship quality factor scores and the likelihood of each mistreatment type while controlling for gender, education, age, and race. Psychological abuse was more likely for older adults experiencing relationship strain with spouse (OR=1.82, p&amp;lt;.001), family (OR=1.75, p&amp;lt;.001), and/or friends (OR=1.67, p&amp;lt; 0.001). Financial abuse was more likely for those experiencing poor relationship support with family (OR=1.34, p&amp;lt;.05) and those experiencing relationship strain with friends (OR=1.47, p&amp;lt;.01). However, relationship quality was not correlated with likelihood of physical abuse. Interpersonal relationships with close others could provide stronger support and care, but relationship strain might contribute to mistreatment. When determining safeguarding gatekeepers to protect older adults from potential mistreatment, interventions should consider the quality and composition of interpersonal relationships with close others.