Child Maltreatment Research Articles

The utility of Moffitt’s developmental taxonomy in predicting being processed through the criminal justice system

ABSTRACT Moffitt’s (1993) developmental taxonomy has guided a great deal of research and has had a profound impact on the field of criminology. Much of this research has focused on her explanation of life-course-persistent offenders, wherein she argued that a combination of being reared in an adverse environment and having neuropsychological deficits would lead to lifelong offending. The current study used this explanation to extend tests of Moffitt’s theory by examining whether the combination of childhood maltreatment and neuropsychological deficits would have application that moves beyond the prediction of life-course-persistent offending and was able to account for participants being processed through the criminal justice system. Analysis of data drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health) revealed that childhood maltreatment and neuropsychological deficits were both independently associated with being arrested, being convicted, and being incarcerated, but that the interaction between these two measures was largely null in the prediction of the outcomes.

Causal and common risk pathways linking childhood maltreatment to later intimate partner violence victimization.

Childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization are major psychiatric risk factors. Maltreatment substantially increases the likelihood of subsequent IPV victimization, but what drives this association is poorly understood. We analyzed retrospective self-reports of maltreatment and IPV victimization in 12,794 participants (58% women, 42% men) from the Twins Early Development Study at ages 21 and 26 using quantitative genetic methods. We estimated the etiological influences common to maltreatment and IPV, and the effect of maltreatment on IPV beyond such common influences. Participants who reported childhood maltreatment ( ~ 7% of the sample) were 3 times more likely than their peers to also report IPV victimization at age 21, 4 times more likely at 26. The association between maltreatment and IPV was mostly due to environmental influences shared by co-twins (42-43%) and genetic influences (30-33%), as well as nonshared environmental influences (25-27%). The association between maltreatment and IPV was similar for women and men, but its etiology partly differed by sex. Maltreatment had a moderate effect on IPV in phenotypic models (β = 0.25-0.30), decreasing to a small-to-moderate range in causally informative models accounting for their common etiology (β = 0.15-0.21). Risk factors common to maltreatment and IPV victimization are largely familial in origin, environmental and genetic. Even considering common risk factors, experiencing maltreatment may be causally related to subsequent IPV victimization. Interventions promoting safe intimate relationships among young adults exposed to maltreatment are warranted and should address family-level environmental risk and individual-level risk shaped by genetics.

Prenatal exposures and cell type proportions are main drivers of FKBP5 DNA methylation in maltreated and non-maltreated children

DNA methylation in peripheral tissues may be a relevant biomarker of risk for developing mental disorders after exposure to early life adversity. Genes involved in HPA axis regulation, such as FKBP5, might play a key role. In this study, we aimed to identify the main drivers of salivary FKBP5 methylation in a cohort of 162 maltreated and non-maltreated children aged 3-5 years at two measurement timepoints. We combined data from a targeted bisulfite sequencing approach for fine-mapping 49 CpGs in regulatory regions of FKBP5 and epigenetic scores for exposure to alcohol, cigarette smoke, and glucocorticoids derived from the EPIC microarray.Most variability of methylation in the FKBP5 locus was explained by estimated cell type proportions as well as epigenetic exposure scores, most prominently the glucocorticoid exposure score. While not surviving correction for multiple testing, we replicate previously reported associations of FKBP5 methylation with CM. We also detected synergistic effects of both rs1360780 genotype and the glucocorticoid exposure score on FKBP5 hypomethylation. These effects were identified in the 3’TAD, a distal regulatory of FKBP5 which is not extensively covered in Illumina arrays, emphasizing the need for fine mapping approaches. Additionally, the epigenetic glucocorticoid exposure score was associated with childhood maltreatment, maternal mental disorders, and pregnancy complications, thereby highlighting the role of glucocorticoid signaling in the epigenetic consequences of early adversity.These results underscore the need to assess cell type heterogeneity in targeted assessments of DNA methylation and show the impact of exposures beyond just childhood maltreatment such as glucocorticoid exposure.

Variation of subclinical psychosis as a function of population density across different European settings: Findings from the multi-national EU-GEI study.

Urbanicity is a well-established risk factor for psychosis. Our recent multi-national study found an association between urbanicity and clinical psychosis in Northern Europe but not in Southern Europe. In this study, we hypothesized that the effect of current urbanicity on variation of schizotypy would be greater in North-western Europe countries than in Southern Europe ones. We recruited 1080 individuals representative of the populations aged 18-64 of 14 different sites within 5 countries, classified as either North-western Europe (England, France, and The Netherlands) with Southern Europe (Spain and Italy). Our main outcome was schizotypy, assessed through the Structured Interview for Schizotypy-Revised. Our main exposure was current urbanicity, operationalized as local population density. A priori confounders were age, sex, ethnic minority status, childhood maltreatment, and social capital. Schizotypy variation was assessed using multi-level regression analysis. To test the differential effect of urbanicity between North-western and Southern European, we added an interaction term between population density and region of recruitment. Population density was associated with schizotypy (β = 0.248,95%CI = 0.122-0.375;p < 0.001). The addition of the interaction term improved the model fit (likelihood test ratio:χ2 = 6.85; p = 0.009). The effect of urbanicity on schizotypy was substantially stronger in North-western Europe (β = 0.620,95%CI = 0.362-0.877;p < 0.001) compared with Southern Europe (β = 0.190,95%CI = 0.083-0.297;p = 0.001). The association between urbanicity and both subclinical schizotypy and clinical psychosis, rather than being universal, is context-specific. Considering that urbanization is a rapid and global process, further research is needed to disentangle the specific factors underlying this relationship.

Childhood Maltreatment and Adolescent Eating Disorders’ Symptoms: A Moderated Mediation Model of Social Anxiety and Physical Activity

Childhood Maltreatment and Adolescent Eating Disorders’ Symptoms: A Moderated Mediation Model of Social Anxiety and Physical Activity

Population Attributable Fractions of Adolescent Health and Well-being Outcomes Associated with Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Provincially Representative Sample in Ontario, Canada

BackgroundIt is well known that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are associated with poor health and well-being outcomes among adult samples. However, there are notable gaps in examining these relationships among youth. ObjectiveThe objectives were to examine: a) the prevalence of an expanded list of ACEs among adolescents, b) ACEs sex differences, c) associations between ACEs and several adolescent health and at-risk behavioural outcomes, and d) the population attributable fractions (PAFs) for three ACE groupings (i.e., child maltreatment, household challenges, and peer victimization). Study DesignCross-sectional. Participants and SettingData were from the provincially-representative, cross-sectional 2014 Ontario Child Health Study (N = 6,537 dwellings, response rate = 50.8%). One randomly selected child aged 14 to 17 years old (n = 2,910) from each household was included. MethodsThe majority of measures (nine ACEs and six health and well-being outcomes) were self-reported (three household challenges ACEs and physical health were collected from parents/caregivers). Descriptive statistics estimated the prevalence of ACEs for the sample and by sex. Logistic regressions tested associations between individual ACEs and seven outcomes. Population attributable fractions (PAFs) were computed for three ACE groupings with each outcome. FindingsACEs prevalence ranged from 1.8% to 47.4% with several noted sex differences. Each ACE was associated with four or more studied outcomes. PAFs ranged from 3.5% to 47.8%, varying for each ACEs grouping. ConclusionThe significant associations and estimated proportions of poor adolescent outcomes attributed to ACEs indicate that identifying approaches aimed at preventing these experiences could have a substantial impact on youth health and well-being.

Eliminating a gap on child maltreatment in a developing country: A comprehensive web-based training for future counselors

Eliminating a gap on child maltreatment in a developing country: A comprehensive web-based training for future counselors

The risk of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases following exposure to childhood maltreatment: a retrospective cohort study using UK primary care data

The risk of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases following exposure to childhood maltreatment: a retrospective cohort study using UK primary care data

Traits de personnalité limite en émergence, empathie et comportements intériorisés et extériorisés chez les enfants maltraités

Introduction. Some studies suggest that emerging borderline personality traits (EBPD) are linked to childhood maltreatment and that the presence of empathy difficulties and internalized and externalized behaviors are associated with them. Since most children housed in Youth Protection Centers (YPC) have been victims of maltreatment, they appear to be at greater risk of developing these difficulties compared to children from the general population and those consulting a psychologist. Objectives. This study compares these three groups regarding EBPD, empathy (cognitive, affective, global), and internalized and externalized behaviors. It also aims to verify the moderating role of empathy in the relationship between EBPD and externalized behaviors. Method. One hundred and sixteen children aged 6 to 12 were divided into three groups: 35 housed in Youth Protection Centers, 42 consulting in psychology, and 39 from the general population. Children and caregivers responded to separate questionnaires measuring the various variables under study. Results. Analysis of variance revealed a significant difference between children housed in YPC and those in the general population regarding EBPD, self-reported global empathy, and internalized and externalized behaviors. Global empathy also seems to moderate the relationship between EBPD and externalized behaviors when assessed by children. Conclusion. These results would make it possible to target variables to consider during interventions with children with EBPD to avoid the consolidation of their EBPD traits into adult borderline personality disorder.

Improving Consistency in Classifying Child Maltreatment for Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths.

Develop guidelines for child death review teams that will improve the consistency in classifying child maltreatment (CM) and distinguish between classification of exposure to hazards and neglect for sleep-related sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID). Sleep-related SUID (n = 25 797) were identified from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System between 2004 and 2018. Key variables considered when classifying CM among sleep-related SUID were identified. Logistic regression was used to assess the strength of associations and identify factors that distinguished between exposure to hazards and neglect. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Guidelines were developed based on these findings. Among the 13 034 sleep-related SUID with CM identified, hazards in the infant sleep environment were strongly associated with classification of both exposure to hazards and neglect, as were supervisor impairment and child welfare substantiation of the death. Comparing neglect to exposure to hazards, there was no association with sleep environment hazards with ORs ranging from 0.8 to 1.3 (95% CI 0.4-3.0), but sleep-related SUID were approximately twice as likely to be classified as neglect when the supervisor was impaired (OR 2.3, 95% CI 2.0-2.7) or child welfare action was taken (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.5-2.0). The guidelines recommend classification of exposure to hazards for sleep environment hazards with elevation to neglect if the supervisor was impaired or child welfare substantiated the death. Among sleep-related SUID, classification of exposure to hazards is based on presence of sleep environment hazards, whereas neglect is based on supervisor impairment and child welfare action.

Parents with disabilities, mandated reporting, and nursing: A scoping review

BackgroundMany nurses report feeling underprepared and insecure about the mandated reporting of concern for child maltreatment, which is further compounded by parental disability. PurposeThis scoping review examined the body of literature on nurse mandated reporting responsibility within the context of parental disability. MethodA scoping review was conducted as informed by the Arksey and O’Malley Framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. FindingsInitial database search identified 2,669 records, which then underwent title and abstract screening (n=2458), assessment for full text review (n=53), and full review (n=28). Analysis of 106 quantitative and 22 qualitative variables revealed sparse evidence and guidance to help nurses navigate mandated reporting of child abuse in families with parental disability. DiscussionFindings identified opportunities to inform research, policy, and practice to better meet the needs of nurse mandated reporters and families with parental disability.

Characteristics and Circumstances of Suicide Among Children Aged 6 to 9 Years: 2006-2021.

Limited research exists on suicide among children aged 5 to 9 years. The objective of this study was to examine characteristics of suicide in children younger than 10 years. Data are from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System (NFR-CRS) for years 2006 through 2021 for children aged 6 to 9 years who died by suicide. No suicide deaths were reported in NFR-CRS for children aged ≤ 5 years. Descriptive analyses by demographics and circumstances were conducted. A thematic analysis of prevention recommendations made by child death review teams was performed. From 2006 to 2021, NFR-CRS identified 78 suicide decedents aged 6 to 9 years. The largest share were aged 9 years (72%), male (74%), non-Hispanic Black (42%), and died by hanging (86%) at home (91%). School-related problems (39%), history of child maltreatment (36%), history of mental health services (30%), argument with parents (23%), and familial discord (19%) were common circumstances. Key suicide prevention themes included education for caregivers and school staff, improved behavioral health services, and implementation of school policies and programs. Results provide a more complete picture of suicide among younger children, improving understanding of their unique characteristics. It is recommended that program planners consider both age-appropriateness and the impacts of social (eg, racism) and structural inequities in their approaches to prevention, encompassing both community and school-based strategies. For pediatricians, results emphasize the importance of lethal means counseling, safety planning, and educating parents and caregivers on the distinct warning signs of suicide for younger children.

The Circumstances Surrounding Fatal Pediatric Opioid Poisonings, 2004-2020.

There is little understanding of the circumstances behind fatal pediatric opioid poisonings. Our objective was to characterize opioid fatalities according to child, family, and household factors. We used data from the National Fatality Review-Case Reporting System to describe the circumstances behind the deaths of children 0 to 17 years of age who died of an opioid poisoning (ie, prescription opioid, heroin, illicit fentanyl) between 2004 and 2020. Decedents were stratified into age groups: 0-4, 5-9, 10-14, and 15-17 years. The majority (65.3%) of the 1696 fatal opioid poisonings occurred in the child's own home. Prescription opioids contributed to 91.8% of deaths, heroin contributed to 5.4%, and illicit fentanyl to 7.7%. Co-poisonings with nonopioid substances occurred in 43.2% of deaths. Among 0- to 4-year-olds, 33.9% died of homicide and 45.0% had a primary caregiver with a history of substance use/abuse. Among 10- to 14-year-olds and 15- to 17-year-olds, respectively, 42.0% and 72.8% of decedents had a history of substance use/abuse. In each age group, at least 25.0% of children were victims of previous child maltreatment. A history of maltreatment and substance use-whether on the part of the caregiver or the child-are common factors surrounding fatal pediatric opioid poisonings, the majority of which occur in the child's own home. Families with children of all ages would benefit from interventions focused on opioid prescribing, storage, disposal, and misuse. These findings also underscore the urgency of ensuring that access to naloxone becomes universal for families with a history of maltreatment and/or substance use.

Mediation of DNA methylation (cg04622888 and cg05037505) in the association between childhood maltreatment and non-suicidal self-injury in early adolescents.

It is unclear whether DNA methylation underlies the association between childhood maltreatment (CM) and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in early adolescents. We aim to explore the mediation of specific DNA methylation sites in the associations of CM and its subtypes with NSSI, following investigation on the association between specific DNA methylation sites and NSSI. A case-control study was conducted to examine 155 adolescents aged 12-14years who were identified to have engaged in NSSI and 201 controls. CM and its subtypes were evaluated by using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The EPIC 850k Bead Chip was used to discover differential methylation sites (DMSs) in the peripheral blood between 10 NSSI cases and 10 controls. Targeted pyrosequencing was employed to detect the levels of specific DMSs among the total study population, which were selected based on bioinformatics analyses and literature review. We discovered 456 DMSs between NSSI cases and controls, 219 were hypermethylated and 237 were hypomethylated. After controlling for potential confounders, CM or its subtypes, and the methylation of cg04622888 and cg05037505 were all significantly associated with NSSI (all P < 0.05). The total association of CM and its subtypes with NSSI were all significantly (all P < 0.05), with the standardized coefficient (β) ranged from 0.12 for physical neglect to 0.24 for emotional neglect and CM. Significant indirect association of physical neglect with NSSI through methylation of cg04622888 was observed and the mediating proportion was 0.14 (95%CI 0.06-0.23). Significant indirect associations of emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical neglect with NSSI through methylation of cg05037505 were also observed, and the mediating proportions were 0.09 (95%CI 0.04-0.14), 0.08 (95%CI, 0.03-0.14) and 0.19 (95%CI 0.07-0.32), respectively. Data of this study suggested thatmethylation of cg04622888 and cg05037505 were independently associated with NSSI among early adolescents, and they partially mediated the associations of emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and physical abuse with NSSI.

Emotional awareness, child maltreatment and child exposed to intimate partner violence: A systematic review of their relationship with symptoms and protective factors

AbstractThis systematic review studies the emotional awareness (EA) in children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) and other child maltreatment (CM), and their relationship with externalizing and internalizing symptoms and protective factors. The search was performed using the PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar databases. The search was based on scientific studies using the follow terms: (“emotional awareness” OR “emotional intelligence”) AND (child OR adolescent OR children OR teenager) AND (abuse OR neglect OR maltreatment OR “presence of domestic violence” OR “domestic violence” OR “intimate partner violence”). Seventeen empirical studies were included, presenting a low risk of bias (82%). Four studies have explored the relationship between EA and exposition to IPV, four with sexual abuse, five with neglect, five with psychological abuse and three with physical abuse. A total of 13 articles have assessed the relationship between EA and externalizing and internalizing symptoms: three with suicidal ideation (SI), three with post‐traumatic stress symptoms (PTSD), two focused on addictions, three on affective symptoms, one with total externalizing symptoms, one with borderline personality disorder (BDP), one with non‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) and one with disordered eating behaviours and attitudes (DEBA). Studies show that abused children have lower EA and that the lower EA, the greater the presence of symptoms. A total of 10 articles have assessed the relationship between EA and protective factors such as mental health in parents, six with coping skills, one with self‐stem and one with quality of life. The main results suggest that EA could be a mediator between children exposed to IPV and other CM and internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as protective factors.

Efektivitas Pelatihan Mindful Parenting Terhadap Penurunan Kecenderungan Child Maltreatment pada Anak Usia Dini

Child maltreatment is a risky act and it has a serious impact, especially for early childhood. Mindful parenting training is one of the parenting concepts that can minimize the occurrence of child maltreatment. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of mindful parenting training on reducing the tendency of child maltreatment in parents. This study uses a pre-experimental design method with a one group pre-test-post-test design. The sample selection was determined using purposive sampling technique. The subjects in this study amounted to 35 parents of students at Aisyah Integrated Birrul Walidain Kindergarten in Kudus, Central Java. Hypothesis testing was conducted using paired sample t-test, where a significance value of P = 0.000 (P &lt; 0.05) was obtained, which means that the hypothesis is accepted. In other words, mindful parenting is effective in reducing the tendency of child maltreatment by parents in early childhood.

Young Adults with a History of Residential Youth Care: A Cohort Profile of a Hard-to-Reach Population

Adults with a history of living in residential youth care (RYC) face elevated risks across various life domains. In this cohort profile paper, we outline the design of a comprehensive follow-up study—the VINGO study—targeting young adults (22–30 years) with a history of living in RYC (T2). We describe the recruitment strategy and present sample characteristics. Data were collected in the baseline study (T1) from 2011 to 2014. At T1, the 400 adolescent participants showed a high prevalence of mental disorders, maltreatment experiences, substance use, and self-reported suicide attempts. Data collection at T2 10 years later (2021–2023) included self-reported sociodemographic information, physical health, childhood maltreatment, dissociation, quality of life, social support, and self-esteem using standardized and validated instruments. A diagnostic psychiatric assessment and subjective evaluation of service utilization were conducted by telephone interviews. Additionally, a qualitative sub-study involved in-depth interviews of fourteen participants. We reached a 52% response rate at T2. Comparing participants (n = 157, 107 females) to non-participants (n = 243, 123 females) based on T1 data revealed that T2 participants had a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and conduct disorder and a lower prevalence of ADHD at T1. Furthermore, T2 participants reported more suicide attempts, experiences of maltreatment, and problematic substance use at T1. Our results show that we reached a burdened population, positioning the VINGO study as a unique opportunity to examine a vulnerable population of emerging adults.

Lingering shadows of childhood corporal punishment: Family trajectories across decades

AbstractObjectiveCorporal punishment is the most common form of violence against children worldwide. This study adopts a life course perspective to examine associations between childhood corporal punishment and distinct multi‐decade family trajectories from young adulthood to middle adulthood in China. Specifically, it examines how childhood parental punishment shapes later family life course trajectory patterns, incorporating partnership, marriage, and fertility outcomes, and considers different sources of punishment (maternal and paternal) and potential gender differences (sons and daughters).BackgroundAccumulating evidence reveals that corporal punishment is not only unnecessary as a disciplinary technique but also harmful to children. This evidence has led to a worldwide movement to eliminate any non‐accidental use of physical force against children. However, previous research often assesses isolated family outcomes without considering family development as a dynamic and interconnected process, resulting in an ambiguous understanding of childhood corporal punishment's long‐reaching influence on unfolding family pathways.ResultsResults uncovered both stability and diversity in Chinese family trajectories, with the majority following stable marital norms. Experiencing childhood corporal punishment increased the odds of an early unstable trajectory characterized by divorce and remarriage. Moreover, the implications of childhood paternal punishment appeared more wide‐ranging than maternal punishment in terms of sorting into normative versus atypical family trajectory patterns. Childhood maltreatment also overrides influences of child gender, similarly impacting future family trajectories across genders.ConclusionThis research highlights the profoundly disruptive effects of corporal punishment on family development throughout the lifespan, carrying important implications for fostering healthier and more resilient families.

Pre-school and primary teachers in the process of detecting child maltreatment in Andalusia (Spain) / El profesorado de Infantil y Primaria en el proceso de detección del maltrato infantil en Andalucía (España)

This study analyses teachers’ knowledge about child maltreatment in the family and explores their professional background in dealing with this problem. 227 pre-school and primary teachers from Andalusia (Spain) participated in the study. The majority of the teachers had never reported a case of child maltreatment during their professional background. These situations were experienced by the teachers with high levels of emotional impact, and both they and their schools showed high levels of involvement in cases identified. Three teacher profiles were identified, the group of trained teachers being the most capable of identifying more complex signs of child maltreatment, followed by those with more years of seniority. The process of detection and reporting of child maltreatment in the school setting is complex, and a wide range of elements need to be analysed conjointly.

Impact of childhood maltreatment on mental health in Australia: a novel meta-analytic approach combining epidemiological data.

Impact of childhood maltreatment on mental health in Australia: a novel meta-analytic approach combining epidemiological data.