Experiences Of Emotional Abuse Research Articles

Linking early emotional abuse/neglect with young adolescents’ social (versus general) anxiety symptoms: A developmental cascade through emotion regulation

Despite the widely documented implications of childhood emotional abuse/neglect for subsequent anxiety symptoms, the implicated mechanisms remain under-revealed, especially the various transdiagnostic and specific pathways related to early experiences of emotional abuse versus emotional neglect and different types of subsequent anxiety symptoms (social versus general). Using three-wave data from 844 Chinese adolescents (Meanage = 13.21 at Wave 1, SD = 0.39; 53 % Boys), we tested emotion regulation strategies (cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression) as explanatory mechanisms underlying the links between childhood emotional abuse/neglect and subsequent social anxiety symptoms (SAS), while simultaneously considering general anxiety symptoms (GAS) for the identification of possible specificity. Results indicated that expressive suppression played a mediating role in the links between emotional neglect and both forms of anxiety symptoms, whereas cognitive reappraisal served as a linking mechanism only for the link between emotional neglect and GAS. No effects were identified for emotional abuse. All associations were identified after controlling for the baseline levels of anxiety symptoms, the baseline uses of emotion regulation strategies, and covariates (age, gender, and family socioeconomic status). Our findings re-confirm that emotion regulation is an important intermediate process accounting for anxiety-related sequelae of early emotional deprivation, suggesting that expressive suppression appears to be a more developmentally transdiagnostic process shaped particularly by early emotional neglect to contribute to different types of subsequent anxiety symptoms. Accordingly, educational and clinical practices on emotion regulation likely benefit the affective well-being of young adolescents whose childhood has been clouded with emotional neglect.

Understanding the relationship between childhood emotional abuse and neglect and psychological distress in pregnant women: the role of prenatal attachment

BackgroundChildhood abuse and neglect pose important risk factors for the development of psychopathology during pregnancy. However, only a few studies have assessed the effects of a specific type of abuse during the perinatal period, namely, psychological maltreatment, which includes emotional abuse and neglect. These studies have found that women who have experienced psychological maltreatment exhibit higher levels of antenatal depressive symptoms and greater difficulties forming attachment with their babies than women who have not experienced this kind of adversity. The aim of this study was to examine how emotional abuse and neglect experiences may favor the occurrence of psychological distress in pregnant women, and whether prenatal attachment might explain this association.MethodsParticipants comprised 128 Italian pregnant women ranging in age from 21 to 46 years (Mage = 33.4; SD = 6.10). Women responded to the following self-report instruments: CECA.Q and CTQ-SF, for the assessment of psychological maltreatment experiences; MAAS, for the evaluation of prenatal attachment; and PAMA, for the assessment of perinatal psychological distress.ResultsPearson correlations revealed a positive association between childhood neglect and perinatal psychological distress and a negative association between childhood neglect and prenatal attachment scores. No significant correlations were found for emotional abuse. Perinatal psychological distress was negatively associated with prenatal attachment. Mediation analyses showed significant associations between childhood neglect and the dimensions of perinatal affectivity and prenatal maternal attachment. Prenatal maternal attachment mediated the relationship between neglect and perinatal psychological distress.ConclusionsThe transition to motherhood is a sensitive period, particularly for women who have experienced abuse and neglect during childhood. These experiences may negatively impact a woman’s disposition to emotionally and behaviorally engage in the formation of a bond with their unborn baby. These results may have important prevention and clinical implications and thus warrant further exploration.

Framing Perceived Emotional Abuse by Former Intercollegiate Student-Athletes into Categories Based on Power

ABSTRACT Although contemporary researchers suggest that abuse is especially prevalent in sport, athletes’ experiences of coaches’ emotional abuse are not well understood. To address this gap, the present study was designed to examine how former intercollegiate student-athletes described experiences of emotional abuse in the coach-athlete relationship. Twenty former student-athletes were interviewed, and an inductive comparative analysis was utilized to interpret and situate the data. Results were framed in terms of power and were organized into four distinctive categories. Results highlight a critical need for institutions to reflect on current policies and practices regarding the prevention and investigation of athlete abuse.

Determinants of non-physical intimate partner violence: A cross-sectional study with nationally representative data from Canada.

Based on a nationally representative survey of the Canadian population conducted in 2019/2020, this study examined the prevalence and determinants of non-physical Intimate partner violence (NP-IPV). NP-IPV was defined as experiences of emotional abuse, controlling behaviours, or economic abuse during the past five years. Women (17.3%) and men (16.9%) were equally likely to report NP-IPV, often without co-occurring physical/sexual IPV. For both genders, the risk of NP-IPV decreased with age, and increased with financial strain and having a disability. Childhood maltreatment (sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and exposure to emotional IPV for women, and sexual abuse and emotional abuse for men) was associated with an increased likelihood of reporting NP-IPV in adulthood. Other risk factors included heavy episodic drinking (self and/or spouse/partner) for women and living in a neighbourhood with high levels of social disorder for men. Having confidence in the police was a protective factor for both genders. These associations generally persisted in regression analyses controlling for co-occurring physical/sexual IPV. Future research should focus on methods of preventing NP-IPV and the development of gender-specific interventions to reach and support those who experience NP-IPV. Furthermore, there is a need to improve and standardize measures of NP-IPV.

Prevalence of child maltreatment in a nationwide sample of 18 to 31 year-olds in Germany

BackgroundChild maltreatment (CM) can have devastating and potentially lifelong effects for those affected and is a major contributor to mental health problems. To tackle public health problems it is crucial to have reliable data on CM. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence and predictors of CM in a nationwide sample of the German population of young adults.MethodsThe study population (young adults aged 18 to 31 years) stems from the KiGGS Cohort study, the longitudinal branch of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for children and adolescents. This sample meets the criteria of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) indicator 16.2.3. The data was collected between 2014 and 2017. CM were assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) in. In addition, socio-demographic variables and other known risk factors for CM were assessed. A total of 6433 (47.8% female) participants were included in the analyses. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to investigate predictors of maltreatment subtypes. Ordinal regression was used to examine their association with experience of multiple forms of CM.ResultsOverall, 18.4% (f: 20.9%, m: 16.1%) of the participants reported having experienced at least one type of CM; 6.7% (f: 8.8%, m: 4.8%) reported experiences of emotional abuse, 3.7% (f: 3.9%, m: 3.5%) physical abuse, 3.5% (f: 5.3%, m: 1.7%) sexual abuse, 9.0% (f: 9.9%, m: 8.2%) emotional neglect and 8.6% (f: 8.5%, m: 8.7%) physical neglect. Gender, subjective social status, education and household dysfunction (e.g. living with an individual who is using substances) emerged as significant predictors for different types of CM. Additionally, all these factors were significant risk factors for experiencing cumulative CM.ConclusionsCM is common in the German population, with almost one in five people experiencing at least one type of CM. The results reveal important risk factors for the occurrence of CM. In particular, people with lower social status and those who grew up in dysfunctional households are at higher risk of CM. Greater support for this vulnerable population may reduce the prevalence of CM.

Unraveling the Nexus: Emotional Abuse, Emotional Competence, Self-concept, and Academic Achievement Among Adolescents.

This research delves into the intricate relationship between emotional abuse, emotional competence, self-concept, and academic achievement among adolescents in Kashmir, with a specific focus on gender differences. Adolescence, marked by vulnerability, witnesses the profound impact of emotional abuse on cognitive, emotional, and psychological development. A comprehensive survey involving 300 high school students reveals significant gender disparities in emotional abuse experiences, emotional competence levels, self-concept, and academic achievement. Boys are shown to be more susceptible to emotional abuse, particularly in dimensions such as rejection, terrorizing, isolation, ignoring, and corruption. Conversely, girls exhibit higher emotional competence, self-concept, and academic achievement, emphasizing the role of societal and familial dynamics. The study underscores the need for targeted interventions recognizing gender-specific nuances, aiming to mitigate emotional abuse's adverse effects and foster a conducive environment for adolescents' emotional and academic well-being. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges faced by adolescents in the context of emotional well-being and academic success.

성인의 아동기 정서적 학대 경험이 대인관계문제에 미치는 영향

Objectives The purpose of this study was to confirm the mediating effect of traumatized self-system, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal problems. when emotional abuse experiences in childhood affect interpersonal problems in adults. Methods Data were collected and analyzed by using the childhood Emotional Abuse scale, traumatized self-system scale, emotion dysregulation scale, and interpersonal problems scale on 376 men and women aged 19 or older (77 men and 299 women). An analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0 and PROCESS Macro v4.1 programs to verify the superior relationship and mediating effect of childhood emotional abuse, traumatized self-system, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal problems. Results The main results of the study are summarized as follows. First, there was a significant positive correlation between childhood emotional abuse, traumatized self-system, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal problems. Second, in the relationship between emotional abuse and interpersonal problems in childhood, self-system damage and emotion dysregulation showed complete mediating effects. Third, in the relationship between emotional abuse and interpersonal problems in childhood, there was a sequential dual mediating effect of traumatized self-system and emotion dysregulation. Conclusions The results of this study suggest that the greater the emotional abuse experience of adults in childhood, the higher the level of self-system damage, and the higher the level of self-system damage, the more difficulty in controlling emotions, causing interpersonal problems. Finally, the limitations of the study and the direction of the follow-up study were suggested.

NCAA coaches’ perceptions of the inclusion of transgender athletes: a qualitative analysis

ABSTRACT The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) established policies for the inclusion of transgender athletes to compete in collegiate sport that align with their gender identity. Despite this access, the extent to which collegiate sport environments are welcoming, inclusive and supportive of transgender athletes is unclear. Understanding coaches’ perceptions and attitudes is particularly salient given the critical, and often personal, nature of coach–athlete relationships and the impact coaches have on sport environments [Kuhlin, F., Barker-Ruchti, N., & Stewart, C. (2020). Long-term impact of the coach–athlete relationship on development, health and wellbeing: stories from a figure skater. Sports Coaching Review, 9(2), 208–230; Stirling, A. E., & Kerr, G. A. (2013). The perceived effects of elite athletes’ experiences of emotional abuse in the coach–athlete relationship. International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 11(1), 87–100]. NCAA coaches’ perceptions of, and attitudes towards the inclusion of transgender athletes is unknown, and thus the degree to which coaches are creating safe, or harmful, environments for transgender athletes is unknown. The present study aims investigate coaches’ perceptions to be able to inform policy and education for promoting inclusive, safe environments for transgender athletes. We asked NCAA coaches (N = 1358) to describe the reasoning for their beliefs regarding the inclusion of transgender athletes in collegiate sports. Through reflexive thematic analysis, we determined coaches’ reasoning for their perceptions, within the context of five higher-order themes: (a) It’s not right: Transgender identities as invalid, (b) A need to protect (cis) women’s sports, (c) Transgender rights are human rights, (d) Sport’s role in society and coaches’ role in sport and (e) I am not sure what I believe. Analyses illuminate avenues for transgender athlete inclusion training for coaches.

Athletic identity affects prevalence and disclosure of emotional abuse in Finnish athletes.

The present study offers novel insight into the topic of experienced and observed emotional abuse by researching factors that affect athletes' responses to emotional abuse by coaches. The research aimed to explore three main questions: (1) whether athletic identity was associated with the prevalence of emotionally abusive coaching practices, and (2) disclosure of emotional abuse, and (3) whether demographic variations existed in the frequency of emotional abuse, athletic identity, and disclosure of the abuse. Study participants who filled in an anonymous digital survey consisted of athletes from elite to leisure levels living in Finland (N = 3687, aged 12-80, gender 61% female, 37.7% male, 0.8% other genders). The research findings highlighted three key insights. Firstly, Pearson correlations revealed that a salient athletic identity was related to a higher prevalence of emotional abuse. Secondly, ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests between-groups indicated that particularly children were susceptible to the abuse. Thirdly, a mediation analysis showed that self-identity (aspect of athletic identity) influenced the relationship between experienced emotional abuse and disclosure, by reducing disclosure. As a result, holistic identity development is recommended for athletes and particularly children in sports.

Couple relationship functioning and social adjustment during the transition to parenthood among fathers with a history of maltreatment.

Study of fathers has gained significant traction over recent decades. However, the experience for men over the transition to parenthood remains focused on high-socioeconomic and socially advantaged fathers. Researchers have yet to thoroughly investigate how fathers may uniquely experience this transition period with a history of childhood maltreatment, given that childhood abuse is known to impact several components of development and relationship functioning into adulthood. The current study endeavored to fill this gap by evaluating the associations between fathers' childhood experiences of physical and emotional abuse and their relationship functioning over the transition to parenthood in terms of both the couple relationship and social adjustment in relationships with others. Using data from 399 fathers who participated in a randomized control trial during pregnancy, the results from stepwise regressions indicate fathers with a history of emotional abuse experience particular declines in their external relationships (reductions in social support and increases in social stress) from prenatal (Wave 1) to postpartum (Wave 2) reports. However, no significant association emerged between fathers' history of maltreatment and their relationship functioning with their partners. These results underscore the importance of investigating the impact of different types of abuse on men in fatherhood. Moreover, we emphasize the need to study further fathers' social adjustment over the transition to parenthood beyond the couple relationship and broad social support to address the needs of men with a history of maltreatment in their new role as fathers.

Relations Between Attachment to Mother and Father, Childhood Maltreatment, and Body Shame in Inpatient Adolescents

ABSTRACT Body shame during adolescence can lead to numerous detrimental outcomes that may not only persist but also worsen in adulthood. Therefore, understanding predictors of body shame, including relational factors, is crucial. The aim of the study was to examine the relationships between attachment security to both mother and father, experiences of childhood maltreatment, and body shame in youth. Seventy-seven inpatient adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 completed the Body Shame subscale of the Experience of Shame Scale, the Security Scale, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire to respectively assess body shame, attachment security to parents, and experiences of abuse and neglect. Body shame was negatively associated with attachment security to father (but not to mother) and positively correlated with experiences of emotional abuse and emotional neglect. Among the studied factors, attachment security to father emerged as the strongest predictor of body shame in adolescents.

Maternal childhood emotional abuse increases cardiovascular responses to children's emotional facial expressions.

Parents with a history of childhood maltreatment may be more likely to respond inadequately to their child's emotional cues, such as crying or screaming, due to previous exposure to prolonged stress. While studies have investigated parents' physiological reactions to their children's vocal expressions of emotions, less attention has been given to their responses when perceiving children's facial expressions of emotions. The present study aimed to determine if viewing facial expressions of emotions in children induces cardiovascular changes in mothers (hypo- or hyper-arousal) and whether these differ as a function of childhood maltreatment. A total of 104 mothers took part in this study. Their experiences of childhood maltreatment were measured using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Participants' electrocardiogram signals were recorded during a task in which they viewed a landscape video (baseline) and images of children's faces expressing different intensities of emotion. Heart rate variability (HRV) was extracted from the recordings as an indicator of parasympathetic reactivity. Participants presented two profiles: one group of mothers had a decreased HRV when presented with images of children's facial expressions of emotions, while the other group's HRV increased. However, HRV change was not significantly different between the two groups. The interaction between HRV groups and the severity of maltreatment experienced was marginal. Results suggested that experiences of childhood emotional abuse were more common in mothers whose HRV increased during the task. Therefore, more severe childhood experiences of emotional abuse could be associated with mothers' cardiovascular hyperreactivity. Maladaptive cardiovascular responses could have a ripple effect, influencing how mothers react to their children's facial expressions of emotions. That reaction could affect the quality of their interaction with their child. Providing interventions that help parents regulate their physiological and behavioral responses to stress might be helpful, especially if they have experienced childhood maltreatment.

Correlates of Domestic Violence Victimization Among Immigrants During COVID-19 in the United States

ABSTRACT Domestic violence has been a cause of concern during the pandemic. Immigrants have been more vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19, given systemic and cultural barriers. Utilizing a bio-psycho-social framework, the goal of this exploratory cross-sectional study was to examine the correlates of DV victimization among immigrants (N = 419, 41.5% male and 56.8% female) across the United States. Gender, age and race were included as biological and demographic factors (model 1); mental health and psychological stress were included as psychological factors (model 2); and generational position, household income, and family connections were included as social factors (model 3). A hierarchical logistic regression was performed. The sample comprised male and female participants. About 31.3% of participants were White, while the remaining were from diverse racial groups and 43.5% were 1st generation. We observed that 35.1% (60) men and 28.3% (66) women experienced at least one form of DV victimization. Women and those who were older were less likely to experience victimization. An increase in mental health distress and limited family connections were associated with a higher likelihood of DV victimization. This study examined the rates of physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, financial and immigration-related abuse experiences of immigrants in the United States. Our findings point to the need for services to be offered to all genders and the need for more social support for immigrants. The inclusion of male and female survivors of DV adds to the novelty of this study. Practitioners in particular can play an important role in providing culturally responsive support to immigrants experiencing victimization.

“We Just couldn’t Talk About that”: Unmasking Male Student-Athletes’ Experiences of Emotional Abuse

Numerous empirical efforts have sought to understand the emotional abuse experiences of female athletes, but less is known about how emotional abuse is experienced by males in sport. To address this gap, the present study was designed to explore how four male former NCAA student-athletes ( Mage = 32 years) experienced emotionally abusive coaching behaviors and how those behaviors were influenced by masculine socialization pressures. A multiple case study design and inductive-deductive thematic approach were utilized to collect and analyze retrospective data. Results highlight socialization pressures related to orthodox masculinity influenced participant experiences and recollections of emotional abuse.

Exploring the complex interrelation between depressive symptoms, risk, and protective factors: A comprehensive network approach

BackgroundDepressive symptoms seem to be interrelated in a complex and self-reinforcing way. To gain a better understanding of this complexity, the inclusion of theoretically relevant constructs (such as risk and protective factors) offers a comprehensive view into the complex mechanisms underlying depression. MethodsCross-sectional data from individuals diagnosed with a major depressive disorder (N = 986) and healthy controls (N = 1049) were analyzed. Participants self-reported their depressive symptoms, as well as several risk factors and protective factors. Regularized partial correlation networks were estimated for each group and compared using a network comparison test. ResultsSymptoms of depression were more strongly connected in the network of depressed patients than in healthy controls. Among the risk factors, perceived stress, the experience of negative life events, emotional neglect, and emotional abuse were the most centrally embedded in both networks. However, the centrality of risk factors did not significantly differ between the two groups. Among the protective factors, social support, personal competence, and acceptance were the most central in both networks, where the latter was significantly more strongly associated with the symptom of self-hate in depressed patients. ConclusionThe network analysis revealed that key symptoms of depression were more strongly connected for depressed patients than for healthy controls, and that risk and protective factors play an important role, particularly perceived stress in both groups and an accepting attitude for depressed patients. However, the purpose of this study is hypothesis generating and assisting in the potential selection of non-symptom nodes for future research.

An exploratory study of University Students’ Lived Experiences and Memories of Childhood Abuse.

Child abuse is a serious and devastating global problem. In Tanzania this problem exists in a variety of forms and is deeply rooted in cultural, educational and social practices, often mixed with, and difficult to distinguish from normal measures of correcting and disciplining children. This study is undertaken to describe the patterns of child abuse (physical, emotional and sexual) as experienced by university students in Tanzania in their childhood. The study also aims at obtaining deeper understanding of the different types of perpetrators who interacted with, and inflicted abuse to children in the family and community at large. Data comes from a representative sample drawn from university students (n=470) in one university in Tanzania in March 2019. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. The results show multiple experiences of physical, emotional and sexual child abuse for both male and female students. The findings also indicate that family members, teachers, peers, and motor-cycle drivers were involved in the abuse of children consistent with similar studies which categorize such groups of people as perpetrators of child abuse (Moore et al, 2007; UNICEF Tanzania, 2011; Kisanga, 2012; McCrann, 2017) The study recommends that behaviors of child abuse be given due attention to ensure proper care, normal development and guarantee protection of children. The study also highlights the significance of engaging university students on intervention programs to counteract the negative effects of child abuse during adulthood.

The Role of Childhood Trauma in Affective Stress Recovery in Early Psychosis: An Experience Sampling Study.

Affective recovery, operationalized as the time needed for affect to return to baseline levels after daily stressors, may be a putative momentary representation of resilience. This study aimed to investigate affective recovery in positive and negative affect across subclinical and clinical stages of psychosis and whether this is associated with exposure to childhood trauma (sexual, physical, and emotional abuse). We used survival analysis to predict the time-to-recovery from a daily event-related stressor in a pooled sample of 3 previously conducted experience sampling studies including 113 individuals with first-episode psychosis, 162 at-risk individuals, and 94 controls. Negative affective recovery (ie, return to baseline following an increase in negative affect) was longer in individuals with first-episode psychosis compared with controls (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.71, 95% confidence interval [CI; 1.03, 2.61], P = .04) and in at-risk individuals exposed to high vs low levels of emotional abuse (HR = 1.31, 95% CI [1.06, 1.62], P = .01). Positive affective recovery (ie, return to baseline following a decrease in positive affect) did not differ between groups and was not associated with childhood trauma. Our results give first indications that negative affective recovery may be a putative momentary representation of resilience across stages of psychosis and may be amplified in at-risk individuals with prior experiences of emotional abuse. Understanding how affective recovery contributes to the development of psychosis may help identify new targets for prevention and intervention to buffer risk or foster resilience in daily life.

Unearthing the Past: Childhood Trauma among Nursing Students and its Profound Impact on Mental Health and Resilience

Trauma affects children from all communities and regions. Among nursing students, the prevalence of childhood trauma is a concern that can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being. Childhood trauma refers to experiences of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect during childhood. The prevalence of childhood trauma among nursing students has significant implications for their mental health and well-being. Various factors contribute to childhood trauma among nursing students, such as personal and family issues, environmental factors etc. Understanding the prevalence of childhood trauma among nursing students is crucial for healthcare institutions and educators to develop appropriate support systems and interventions that address the unique challenges faced by this population.

Childhood emotional maltreatment and sensitivity to social rejection in emerging adults

BackgroundEnhanced responsiveness to social rejection may be a transdiagnostic mechanism through which childhood emotional maltreatment predisposes individuals to interpersonal and mental health problems. To investigate this mechanism, as a first step, more detailed investigations are needed regarding the assumed association of childhood emotional maltreatment with rejection sensitivity in later life. ObjectiveThe present work examines the hypothesis that among different subtypes of childhood maltreatment, in particular forms of emotional maltreatment (emotional abuse and neglect) relate to rejection sensitivity in emerging adults. Participants and settingIn study 1, 311 emerging adults (18–25 years) participated in a retrospective cross-sectional assessment. In study 2, 78 emerging adults (18–25 years) were included in an experiment (O-Cam paradigm) which involved the experience of social rejection (vs. inclusion). MethodsStudy 1 investigates whether intensities of childhood emotional abuse and neglect have unique associations with trait rejection sensitivity, when considering all maltreatment subtypes (emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional neglect, physical neglect) simultaneously. Study 2 examined whether childhood emotional abuse and neglect moderate the experience of social rejection in terms of need depletion, sadness and anger after social rejection (vs. inclusion). ResultsStudy 1 indicates that emotional abuse and neglect have unique associations with rejection sensitivity. Study 2 results show that only a higher intensity of emotional abuse has extensive effects on need depletion and sadness after social rejection (vs. inclusion). ConclusionsIn particular, experiences of childhood emotional abuse may relate to rejection sensitivity in young adulthood.

Social competence of single‐parent children with child abuse in China: Mediation model of resilience

AbstractChildren from single‐parent families typically face severe developmental risks, especially those with prior experience in child abuse. This study aimed to investigate the child abuse experience and social competence of children from single‐parent families and discuss the possible mediation effect of resilience in Mainland China. This study analysed 431 single‐parent children samples collected in China (50% females, Mage = 13.10). Group comparison analyses were conducted to illustrate group differences in social competence between single‐parent children with and without child abuse experience. In addition, path analyses were conducted to examine the mediation effect of resilience between child abuse and social competence. This study findings indicated that single‐parent children with physical and emotional abuse experience did not perform significantly worse in social competence, but those with emotional neglect were found to do worse. Resilience fully mediated the effect of physical abuse and partially mediated the effect of emotional neglect on single‐parent children's social competence, while it did not mediate the impact of emotional abuse. This study contributes to understanding the mechanisms between child abuse, social competence and resilience of children from single‐parent families in Mainland China. The findings have implications for social services for single‐parent children who are abused.