Child Abuse Research Articles

Comment on van Gemert et al. Asymptomatic Infant Rib Fractures Are Primarily Non-abuse-Related and Should Not Be Used to Assess Physical Child Abuse. Children 2023, 10, 1827.

We are deeply concerned about the scientific quality of the article "Asymptomatic Infant Rib Fractures Are Primarily Non-abuse-Related and Should Not Be Used to Assess Physical Child Abuse" published in the journal Children in 2023 by van Gemert et al [...].

Secularization: A Response from Canon Law Based on the Concept of the “Church on the Move” and Cooperation with the Civil Order in Cases of Abuse of Minors by Priests

The influence of secularization and secularism in today’s society has led to a process of privatization of religion. Faced with this reality, Pope Francis, in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii gaudium, has promoted the need for a pastoral conversion, betting on a “Church going out” that, on the one hand, can cope with this process and, on the other hand, go out to meet all those people who suffer in the existential peripheries. The aim of this paper is to demonstrate, through a qualitative and quantitative methodology, how canon law is a reality that cannot stand aside from this call and how, in the specific area of child abuse within the Church, it must opt for a position that we call “expansion” or extra ecclesiam, capable of recognizing and dealing with the cases that have occurred, as well as operating a system of cooperation with the civil order, with the aim of promoting justice and the common good of society, in order to limit the growing process of secularization.

Sexual Abuse, Commercial Sexual Exploitation, and Cumulative Adversity Among Sexually Diverse and Non-Sexually Diverse Girls in the Juvenile Justice System

ABSTRACT Despite awareness about high rates of sexual abuse among girls in the juvenile justice system, little is known about the additional risk conferred upon sexually diverse (SD) youths, as well as the combined vulnerability of sexual abuse and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) – frequently a survival behavior amplifying disproportionate juvenile justice contact among SD and non-SD juvenile justice-involved (JJI) girls. In a sample of JJI-girls, we compared SD (n = 52) with non-SD (n = 46) JJI-girls on sexual victimization (e.g. sexual abuse occurring within different relationship-types, CSEC), and broader developmental adversity burden disadvantage (cumulative trauma/loss exposure-types) and distress (posttraumatic stress disorder [PTSD]; cumulative stressor-reactivity, grief-specific, and adversity-related symptoms), health distress/impairment, and sexual and physical health-risk indicators. While comparable on childhood sexual abuse frequency, SD JJI-girls reported greater cumulative sexual abuse severity across relationship-types, higher sexual abuse within non-familial contexts, and more CSEC involvement. They also reported more social determinants of health (e.g. trauma/loss exposure-types) and showed elevations on all health-risk indicators, and most cumulative adversity burden indicators, despite comparable PTSD severity. Our findings emphasize the need to consider multiple sexual victimization facets, including the combined vulnerability of sexual abuse and CSEC, and utilize cumulative developmental assessment approaches among youths vulnerable to maltreatment and exploitation.

Male Survivors of Institutional Child Sexual Abuse: A Review

Male child sexual abuse is over-represented in institutional settings. This realization has increasingly come into public focus in recent decades initially through lived experience, often with male survivors’ stories told in the media and subsequently through court cases and government inquiries. Beginning at the turn of the century with the Irish Commission to Inquire into Child Abuse (1999–2009), numerous national and state inquiries into institutional child abuse followed around the world. This scoping review asks the question: What is known from the research about the institutional child sexual abuse of males? Conducted in 2023 five databases were used (APA PsycINFO, CINAL, Medline, Scopus, Web of Science) producing 973 studies for screening. Applying the Arksey and O’Malley framework resulted in 29 studies meeting the inclusion criteria, which were analyzed. Of the 29 studies, 27 could be categorized into 3 broad areas of focus: survivor experience, impact, and disclosure. Two further studies considered: turning points and meaning making. The findings are discussed under the following headings: disclosure, impacts (emotional, mental health, alcohol, and other impacts), and what is helpful to victim/survivors. Implications for practice, policy, and research are examined along with limitations of the current research.

Does child abuse predict a population segment with large economic burden?

ObjectivesThe enormous societal and individual consequences of mental health disorders and detrimental health behaviours in the general population are of paramount concern. Many argue that ‘prevention is the best cure’, pushing for the implementation of early (preventive) interventions. Key questions regarding early interventions include which population segment to target for screenings and what information these screenings should focus on. In line with previous efforts, this study aimed to identify which population segment holds the majority (≥ 80 %) of different economically costly outcomes in society, and whether child abuse before the age of 16 years predicts being part of that population segment. Study designEpidemiological cohort study. MethodsThis study used the Netherlands Mental Health Survey and Incidence Study-2, a Dutch epidemiological cohort study including 6646 adults aged 18–64 years at baseline, spanning four timepoints from 2007 to 2018. Cumulative distributions were computed to identify high-cost population segments of economically costly outcomes in adulthood (i.e., mental and physical health [behaviours], unemployment and work absenteeism). Child abuse was examined as a potential predictor of these segments and the risk of multiple high-cost population segment membership was investigated by conducting Poisson regressions. ResultsA 20 % population segment carried between 42 % and 100 % of economically costly outcomes. Being exposed to more child abuse predicted being in a high-cost population segment, albeit with small effect sizes. Being exposed to more child abuse also predicted belonging to multiple high-cost population segments across different economically costly outcomes. ConclusionsThe study findings have implications for policy makers. Emphasis should be placed on prevention aimed at identifying potential members of multiple high-cost population segments.

Lived Experiences of Primary Caregivers of Children with Dyslexia: A Phenomenological Study

Background: Caregivers play an important role in children’s development. Therefore, they need to recognize the learning difficulties that their children face and support them to ensure learning gains and prevent secondary complications. Nevertheless, supporting a child with a learning disability can be challenging for caregivers in many ways. 1 This study investigated caregivers’ knowledge of dyslexia, their challenges when raising children with dyslexia, and the support they seek to raise such children. Methods: Ten individual in-depth interviews (IDIs) and four focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted among 30 caregivers in Sri Lanka. Initial codes were generated using open coding from the transcripts, leading to sub-themes and themes. Results: Thematic analysis revealed a lack of knowledge of dyslexia-type difficulties among caregivers and in society, giving rise to misconceptions, leading to labeling and abuse of children. Caregivers feel emotionally pressured, helpless, stressed, and depressed in bringing up children with dyslexia, creating family disputes. Further, as a family, they have a sense of rejection and discrimination from school and society. Caregivers receive insufficient support from the education and health sectors due to multiple complexities such as myths, misbeliefs, inadequate knowledge and skills, unavailability of resources, and inaccessibility to services. Conclusions: Caregivers and families of children with learning disabilities demand more attention to improve their mental health and family harmony, which in turn improves children’s educational and health status. Sri Lankan health, educational, and social services should be optimized to reach the families of children with dyslexia-type difficulties.

Understanding experiences of non-physical maltreatment in childhood in Canada: What is the relationship with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders?

Physical and sexual childhood abuse are associated with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders. However, less is known about non-physical types of maltreatment. This study examined associations between non-physical types of child maltreatment (e.g., emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, exposure to physical intimate partner violence, emotional and physical neglect) and suicidal ideation, and mental health disorders. Data from the 2018 Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces were used to estimate the proportion of individuals 15 years and older in Canada who experienced non-physical maltreatment during childhood. Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine associations between five types of non-physical child maltreatment and suicidal ideation, and mental health disorders. Overall, interpersonal aggression was the most common (45.7%), followed by emotional abuse (40.4%) and emotional neglect (20.0%). Individuals who experienced any type of non-physical maltreatment in childhood had a higher probability of lifetime suicidal ideation than those who never experienced the maltreatment examined. Mood disorder diagnoses were more likely among those who experienced emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, and emotional neglect than among those who never experienced these types of maltreatment. Compared with those who never experienced the maltreatment examined, individuals who experienced emotional abuse, interpersonal aggression, emotional neglect, or physical neglect were more likely to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder were more likely among those who experienced emotional and physical neglect than among those who never experienced these types of maltreatment. Non-physical child maltreatment is associated with suicidal ideation and mental health disorders. The findings highlight the importance of including non-physical types of child maltreatment on population-based surveys to differentiate associations with mental health outcomes to better align interventions and policies.

ESR Essentials: imaging of suspected child abuse-practice recommendations by the European Society of Paediatric Radiology.

The goal of this paper is to provide a useful desktop reference for the imaging of suspected child abuse with clear, age-specific pathways for appropriate evidence-based imaging and follow-up. We aim to provide a road map for the imaging evaluation and follow-up of this important and vulnerable cohort of patients presenting with signs and symptoms concerning forinflicted injury. As the imaging recommendations differ for children of different ages, we provide a flowchart of the appropriate imaging pathway for infants, toddlers, and older children, which allows ease of selection of which children should undergo skeletal survey, non-contrast computed tomography (CT) brain with 3-dimensional (D) reformats, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and whole spine. For ease of review, we include a table of the common intracranial and spinal patterns of injury in abusive head trauma. We summarise search patterns, areas of review, and key findings to include in the report. To exclude skeletal injury, infants and children under 2 years of age should undergo a full skeletal survey in accordance with national guidelines, with a limited follow-up skeletal survey performed 11-14 days later. For children over 2 years of age, the need for skeletal imaging should be decided on a case-by-case basis. All infants should undergo a non-contrast-enhanced CT brain with 3-D reformats. If this is normal with no abnormal neurology, then no further neuroimaging is required. If this is abnormal, then they should proceed to MRI brain and whole spine within 2-5 days. Children older than 1 year of age who have abnormal neurology and/or findings on skeletal survey that are suggestive of inflicted injury should undergo non-contrast CT brain with 3-D reformats and, depending on the findings, may also require MRI of the brain and whole spine. We hope that this will be a helpful contribution to the radiology literature, particularly for the general radiologist with low volumes of paediatrics in their practice, supporting them with managing these important cases when they arise in daily practice. KEY POINTS: The choice of initial imaging (skeletal survey and/or brain CT) depends on the age of the child in whom abuse is suspected. A follow-up skeletal survey is mandatory 11-14 days after the initial survey. If an MRI of the brain is performed, then an MRI of the whole spine should be performed concurrently.

Emotional Intelligence with Self Esteem in Adolescents Who Have Experienced Child Abuse In Sorong City

Adolescence is often considered a transition period marked by significant changes. It is seen as a period of transition, a challenging age, and a time of searching for identity. At the same time, adolescence is also considered the threshold of adulthood because it involves uncertainty and lack of control. Family dynamics also tend to change during the adolescent phase, including increased conflict between teenagers and parents, changes in roles and responsibilities, and changes in expectations placed on teenagers. A mismatch between parental expectations and adolescent behavior can increase the risk of conflict, which in turn can lead to incidents of child abuse. This research aims to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence and self-esteem in adolescents who have experienced child abuse in Sorong City. The method used is quantitative research with a correlational design. A total of 64 teenagers aged 12-21 years and residing in Malagusa sub-district, Sorong City were participants in this research who were taken using a saturated sampling technique. Research measurements used the Wong & Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLES) and The Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES). The research data analysis method uses Pearson Correlation. The research results show that there is a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and self-esteem of 0.949 with a significance of 0.000 (p<0.01). This shows that emotional intelligence plays a major and important role in relation to the level of self-esteem of teenagers who have experienced child abuse in Sorong City.

Early Childhood Adversity Predicts Risk of Family Caregiver Suicidal Ideation:Roles of Neuroticism and Self-Compassion.

Despite high rates of family caregiver suicidal ideation (SI), little is known about its relationship with childhood adversity. Those with a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been shown to have higher neuroticism, lower self-compassion, and higher rates of late life mental health disorders. Caregiving for a family member with dementia may pose a particular challenge for those with ACEs. In a secondary analysis of 81 family caregivers of people living with dementia enrolled in clinical trials, we undertook a cross-sectional baseline analysis of the association between childhood adversity, measured with the ACE questionnaire, and self-reported suicidal ideation (SI). We further assessed whether the relationship between ACE and SI was mediated by neuroticism and self-compassion. 18 caregivers self-reported SI (22%). 89% of caregivers with SI reported childhood adversity (ACE > 0), versus 63% of those without SI (p=.04). The relative risk of SI was 3.6x higher in those with childhood adversity than in those without (p=.04), and for those with a specific history childhood abuse, the relative risk of SI was 3.4x higher (p=.005). Neuroticism and self-compassion mediated the relationship between ACE and SI (p<.05), with neuroticism strengthening the association and self-compassion weakening it. The association of SI with history of childhood adversity is high in family caregivers. Whereas elevated neuroticism might be one mechanism linking ACEs and SI, training self-compassion is a promising target for reducing SI. The phenotypic relationship between childhood adversity and SI in family caregivers should be further explored in larger samples, and could represent a new treatment target to improve the efficacy of therapies on caregiver emotional symptoms.

Understanding the relationship between childhood abuse and affective symptoms in bipolar disorder: New insights from a network analysis

The impact of childhood abuse on the presentation of bipolar disorder could be further elucidated by comparing the networks of affective symptoms among individuals with and with no history of childhood abuse. Data from 476 participants in the Clinical Health Outcomes Initiative in Comparative Effectiveness for Bipolar Disorder study were used to fit several regularised Gaussian Graphical Models. Differences in the presentation of depressive and manic symptoms were uncovered: only among participants with a history of childhood abuse, inadequacy and pessimism were central symptoms in the network of depressive symptoms, while racing thoughts was an important symptom in the network of manic symptoms. Following network theory, focusing treatments at the symptom-level and on central symptoms – like inadequacy, pessimism, and racing thoughts – could be an effective approach for managing affective symptoms among the sizeable proportion of people with bipolar disorder who have experienced childhood abuse. This study contributes a thorough investigation of the networks of affective symptoms among participants with and with no history of childhood abuse, albeit limited by the use of a binary, self-report measure of childhood abuse, thereby emphasising the importance of assessing for childhood abuse and taking needed steps towards identifying novel targets for treating bipolar disorder.

Genetic-Dependent Brain Signatures of Resilience: Interactions among Childhood Abuse, Genetic Risks and Brain Function.

Resilience to emotional disorders is critical for adolescent mental health, especially following childhood abuse. Yet, brain signatures of resilience remain undetermined due to the differential susceptibility of the brain's emotion processing system to environmental stresses. Analyzing brain's responses to angry faces in a longitudinally large-scale adolescent cohort (IMAGEN), we identified two functional networks related to the orbitofrontal and occipital regions as candidate brain signatures of resilience. In girls, but not boys, higher activation in the orbitofrontal-related network was associated with fewer emotional symptoms following childhood abuse, but only when the polygenic burden for depression was high. This finding defined a genetic-dependent brain (GDB) signature of resilience. Notably, this GDB signature predicted subsequent emotional disorders in late adolescence, extending into early adulthood and generalizable to another independent prospective cohort (ABCD). Our findings underscore the genetic modulation of resilience-brain connections, laying the foundation for enhancing adolescent mental health through resilience promotion.

Associations between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Complex-PTSD, moral injury and perceived social support: A latent class analysis

BackgroundAdverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including childhood abuse and neglect, are consistently linked to poorer mental health and psychosocial outcomes in adulthood. Complex-posttraumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) and moral injury are two conditions which can cause significant distress and functional impairment in individuals affected by trauma. However, not much is known about the complex relationships between ACEs, C-PTSD and moral injury. Furthermore, while perceived social support is a commonly cited protective factor for C-PTSD, there is little understanding about how it relates to ACEs in traumatised populations. The aim of this study was to investigate ACEs in a trauma-affected sample of UK military veterans using latent class analysis. Secondly, the study tested for associations between latent classes of ACEs, severity of C-PTSD and moral injury, and levels of perceived social support. MethodData was collected from a UK military veterans mental health charity, from a clinical sample (N = 336) who were receiving treatment for mental health difficulties. Participants completed standardised measures of ACEs, C-PTSD, moral injury, and perceived social support. Data was analysed using a bias-adjusted 3-step approach latent class analysis. Wald statistics were used to test for associations between classes of ACEs and C-PTSD, moral injury and perceived social support. FindingsA two-class model was found to be the best fit for the data, which depicted two classes of ACEs within the sample. The classes showed a distinction between a group of participants who were more likely to endorse experiencing high levels of ACEs, and a separate group who endorsed relatively lower levels of ACEs. As such, the model was interpreted as depicting a low-ACEs (class 1) vs. high-ACEs (class 2) distinction. 56 % of participants fell into class 1 (low ACEs) with 44 % in class 2 (high ACEs). Participants in class 2 (high ACEs) were significantly more likely to score highly for symptoms of C-PTSD and moral injury, and to report lower levels of perceived social support. ConclusionThe present study is the first to report a two-class model of low vs high-ACEs in a clinical sample of UK military veterans. It also describes how membership of the high-ACEs class was significantly associated with higher scores for key mental health and psychosocial variables in C-PTSD, moral injury and perceived social support. The findings have important clinical implications in highlighting the possible role of ACEs in understanding the aetiology of psychopathology in military populations affected by trauma. It also adds to the growing literature which demonstrates how many military personnel experience significant levels of pre-existing trauma and adversity before entering service, and how this can contribute to the development of complex mental health outcomes in adulthood.

Child Abuse, Marital Satisfaction and Premarital Counseling: How do They Relate One Another?

One of the reasons for the increase in child abuse in recent years is the actions of those closest to the child, including one or both of their parents. Parents who commit such violence are triggered by several factors, including lack of insight into married life and not getting satisfaction in their marriage. This study aims to describe how premarital counseling can promote marriage satisfaction and anticipating potential child abuse. This study uses literature research with a descriptive approach. This research concerns with systematic and scientific collection of library sources which include books, scientific journals, and related research findings, then analyzed descriptively so as to achieve the research objectives. The results of the discussion show that in premarital counseling, the materials are provided comprehensively which includes the Law on Domestic Violence. Child Protection Law, Munakahat Law, Implementation of Family Functions in Child Protection, Caring for Love in the Family and Conflict Management in the Family as recommended by the Director General of Islamic Community Guidance Regulation Number 542 of 2013. By understanding comprehensively and applying such recommended points, prospective partner can achieve their marriage satisfaction and minimize potential child abuse.

"I remember most of my family seeing it": The presence of others during child physical abuse, as conveyed in forensic interviews with Israeli children.

Child physical abuse is often perceived as a crime perpetrated within the family and out of sight. However, recent studies have indicated the presence of others during incidents of physical abuse. The current study was designed to examine the experiences and perceptions of children who were physically abused in their families concerning the presence of others, as conveyed during their forensic interviews. A thematic analysis of 26 forensic interviews was conducted with Israeli children aged 5-13. Three main themes were identified: (1) Patterns, roles, and coping mechanisms: The multifaceted spectrum of familial abuse; (2) The echoes of family reactions: Shaping children's abuse experiences; and (3) Navigating the storm together: Sibling bonds amidst familial abuse. The children's narratives highlighted their distress and pointed to the abusive and chaotic daily routine in which they lived. In spotlighting their encounters with physical abuse, the children focused on their need to be seen and gain certainty in their daily routines. The discussion highlights the unique and elusive dynamics of families in which child physical abuse occurs and challenges the social perception that physical abuse occurs secretly. The characteristics of such abuse highlight the urgent need for policymakers and professionals to treat the phenomenon of physical abuse within the family as a visible phenomenon.

Childhood trauma distribution and behavioural problems among Pakistani adolescents.

Childhood trauma adversely impacts adolescents, and consequently, they develop behavioural problems. Understanding the distribution of childhood traumas and their association with behavioural problems among adolescents is paramount for the preventive efforts. The present research aimed to investigate this association among adolescents. This association was investigated among adolescents (N = 200) between 12 and 18 years. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire was used to assess the distribution of trauma and internalizing and externalizing behavioural problems among adolescents through purposive and convenience sampling technique. The findings across trauma distribution indicated higher distribution of childhood abuse and neglect across males as compared to females. Males further significantly scored higher on sexual abuse and emotional neglect. Apparently, a large number of adolescents experienced all five sub types of childhood traumas (sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, emotional and physical neglect). Additionally, across the severity continuum of childhood traumas, male scored higher on the severe to extreme continuum for all subtypes except physical abuse, where females scored higher. Lastly, logistic regression analysis indicated higher peer problems among those adolescents who have experienced all types of childhood traumas. These findings could be beneficial for intervention-based programs and policies to help trauma-exposed adolescents cope with their lives.

The Richness of Reports Provided by Children in Israel: Examination of the Impact of Social Affiliations.

Forensic interviews following child sexual abuse (CSA) are of central importance to the children, their families and all those involved. Moreover, the legal system expects rich, forensically relevant reports from the children. The current study focuses on the impact of children's social affiliation on the richness of their reports, and how question types contribute to rich reports. The sample included 314 forensic interviews conducted in Israel between 2015 and 2018. The findings revealed a relationship between child characteristics (gender), abuse characteristics (perpetrator identity, abuse type, abuse frequency) and social affiliation with report richness. Furthermore, question types (free recall prompts, summaries, directive, option-posing, suggestive) moderated the relationship between the child's characteristics, abuse characteristics, and social affiliation with report richness, when these effects were not equal. The findings emphasized that contextual observation of sexually abused children may promote better services for them and, in addition, stressed the importance of advancing future training and practical guidelines for practitioners.

Hemispheric asymmetries in borderline personality disorder: a systematic review.

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is characterized by increased mood reactivity and affective instability. Since core structures involved in emotion processing, such as the amygdala, demonstrate strong lateralization, BPD is an interesting target for laterality research. So far, a systematic integration of findings on lateralization in BPD is missing. Therefore, we systematically reviewed studies published until February 2024 in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo databases that measured hemispheric asymmetries and behavioral lateralization in patients with BPD. Inclusion criteria were (a) diagnosis of BPD and (b) results on hemispheric or behavioral asymmetries. Specifically for neuroimaging studies, hemispheres need to be assessed separately. Review articles and studies with disorders other than BPD were excluded. Risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for non-randomized, non-comparative intervention studies. A total of 21 studies met the inclusion criteria. Thirteen studies investigated structural hemispheric asymmetries, five functional hemispheric asymmetries, two examined handedness, and one studied hemispheric asymmetry in visuospatial attention. Overall, studies examining structural asymmetries in BPD report bilateral volume reduction in the amygdala and hippocampus but a right-sided reduction in the orbitofrontal cortex. For functional lateralization, asymmetrical de/activation patterns in the default mode network in BPD and reduced right-frontal asymmetry were evident. Also, studies indicate a trend towards increased non-right-handedness in BPD. Risk factors for BPD, such as childhood abuse, may play a crucial role in the development of structural and functional alterations. However, the generalization of results may be limited by small sample sizes and varying study designs.

The Pattern of Dissociative Symptoms Differs between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and First Esketamine Administration for Treatment-Resistant Depression

Abstract Objective Dissociative symptoms are commonly observed during the first administration of esketamine for the treatment of Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD) and in a substantial minority of patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). We examine differences in the number and pattern of dissociative symptoms (depersonalization, derealization, dissociative amnesia, identity fragmentation) reported by these two groups. Data Selection Data for patients diagnosed with PTSD (N = 134) were drawn from studies of individuals with exposure to civilian traumas, childhood abuse or combat trauma. Data for patients with TRD undergoing their first treatment session with ESK (N = 759) were drawn from published results detailing the presentation of dissociative symptoms during FDA registration trials. Data Synthesis Dissociative symptoms in general were more prevalent in the ESK group (P &amp;lt; 0.01). However, a significant (p &amp;lt; 0.0001) Group x Item Domain interaction revealed that dissociative amnesia and identity fragmentation were endorsed more frequently relative to the other domains in the PTSD group relative to the ESK group. Depersonalization and derealization were the most prominent dissociative symptoms endorsed by the ESK group, whereas items from the dissociative amnesia domain were endorsed most frequently in the PTSD group. Conclusions The pattern of dissociative symptoms endorsed by patients with PTSD differs from that reported by patients with TRD receiving esketamine for the first time, suggesting the possibility that the etiology of “dissociative symptoms” may vary to some degree across therapeutic conditions.

Sexual Abuse and Neglect during Childhood are Associated with an Increased Prevalence of Mental Health Problems among University Students in Surakarta, Indonesia

Hihglights: 1. This study reiterates the long-term negative impact of childhood trauma on young adults' mental health.2. This study contributes to the prevention of mental disorders through the identification of risk factors associated with mental health problems. Abstract The prevalence of mental health problems is a global public health concern. Young adults, such as university students, are highly vulnerable to the onset of mental health problems due to biological, psychological, and social factors. In particular, abusive and traumatic experiences during childhood may increase the risk of developing mental health problems during adulthood. The prevalence of child abuse cases in Indonesia is concerning. This abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, in addition to neglect. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the occurrence of mental disorder symptoms during young adulthood and the preceding child abuse. A total of 191 undergraduate students in Surakarta, Indonesia, participated in this study. The participants completed the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale (CATS) for the evaluation of maltreatment experienced during childhood and adolescence as well as the Self-Reporting Questionnaire-20 (SRQ-20) for the measurement of mental health problem symptoms. The association of the degree of child abuse and trauma with mental health problems was analyzed using a logistic regression test, which was selected because the dependent variable (mental health problems) had binary outcomes. The level of statistical significance was set at p&lt;0.05. We found that 33% of the participants reported mental health problems. In addition, sexual abuse and neglect were found to be associated with mental health problems. The analysis of the sexual abuse variable revealed a statistically significant value of p=0.03, an odds ratio (OR) of 1.39, and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.03-1.88. Additionally, the analysis of the neglect variable yielded comparable results with values of p=0.03, OR=1.26, and 95% CI=1.02-1.55. Our findings suggest that child abuse, particularly sexual abuse and neglect, may have a long-term deleterious impact on an individual’s mental health.