Reports Of Physical Abuse Research Articles

Association of Friday School Report Card Release With Saturday Incidence Rates of Agency-Verified Physical Child Abuse

Corporal punishment is a leading risk factor for physical abuse. Strong anecdotal evidence from physicians and other professionals working in child protection suggest that punishment-initiated physical abuse for school-aged children increases after release of report cards. However, no empirical examination of this association has occurred. To examine the temporal association between school report card release and incidence rates (IRs) of physical abuse. This retrospective study reviewed calls to a state child abuse hotline and school report card release dates across a single academic year in Florida. Data were collected in a 265-day window from September 8, 2015, to May 30, 2016, in the 64 of 67 Florida counties with report card release dates available (16 960 days). Participants included all children aged 5 to 11 years for whom calls were made. A total of 1943 verified cases of physical abuse were reported in the study period in the 64 counties. Data were analyzed from October 2017 through May 2018. School report cards release across a single academic year, measured daily by county. Daily counts of calls to a child abuse hotline that later resulted in agency-verified incidents of child physical abuse across a single academic year by county. During the academic year, 167 906 calls came in to the child abuse hotline for children aged 5 to 11 years; 17.8% (n = 29 887) of these calls were suspected incidents of physical abuse, and 2017 (6.7%) of these suspected incidents were later verified as cases of physical abuse before excluding the 3 counties with no release dates available. Among the 1943 cases included in the analysis (58.9% males [n = 1145]; mean [SD] age, 7.69 [1.92] years), calls resulting in verified reports of child physical abuse occurred at a higher rate on Saturdays after a Friday report card release compared with Saturdays that do not follow a Friday report card release (IR ratio, 3.75; 95% CI, 1.21-11.63; P = .02). No significant association of report card release with IRs was found for any other days of the week. This association of school report card release and physical abuse appears to illustrate a unique systems-based opportunity for prevention.

Assessing psychological and physical abuse from children's perspective: Factor structure and psychometric properties of the picture-based, modularized child-report version of the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale - Revised (CTSPC-R).

Child victims’ reports of psychological and physical abuse by caregivers are a fundamental source of information beyond official records and caregiver reports. However, few or no sensitive and age-appropriate child-report instruments exist that have undergone in-depth validity and reliability testing across a broad age-range. Our study addresses this gap by examining psychometric properties of a picture-based, modularized version of the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale (CTSPC-R), encompassing the maltreatment subtypes of psychological and physical abuse. A sample of 904 children and adolescents aged 4–16 years from the community (n = 568), child psychiatric services (n = 159), and from Child Protective Services (CPS; n = 177) completed the CTSPC-R. Measures to test convergent (maltreatment in parent interviews and CPS records) and concurrent validity (psychiatric symptoms) were collected. The CTSPC-R comprises 22 items, arranged in three severity modules by increasing level of psychological and physical abuse by caregivers. Companion picture cards were provided for children aged 4 and 8 years. The best fit to the data was attained with a second-order factor model, assuming three inter-correlated factors corresponding to the three severity modules, and a latent second-order factor representing combined physical and psychological abuse. The three factors showed good internal consistencies. Supporting convergent validity at the global and subtype-level of maltreatment, the CTSPC-R severity scale was associated with lifetime CPS-contact, presence of caregiver-reported emotional maltreatment and physical abuse, and dimensions of chronicity and severity. Discriminant validity was supported by non-significant correlations with caregiver-reported lack of supervision, failure to provide, and sexual abuse. Bolstering concurrent validity, moderate and severe physical abuse predicted caregiver-reported internalizing and externalizing symptoms. These effects were independent of child age, gender or community vs. non-community samples. Our study supports the CTSPC-R as a scientifically and clinically sound tool for ascertaining the child’s own perspective on psychological and physical abuse from an early age onwards.

The longitudinal influence of child maltreatment on child obesity in South Korea: The mediating effects of low self-esteem and depressive symptoms

Research finds that children who have experienced parental neglect and abuse in their childhood are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors or experience obesity. The relationship between child maltreatment and obesity is supported in previous studies, but the mechanism of how child maltreatment leads to obesity has not yet been adequately examined. We aim to investigate the mediating roles of children's self-esteem and depressive symptoms in the longitudinal influences of child maltreatment on child obesity. We employ national longitudinal data from the Korean Children and Youth Panel Study collected annually in South Korea. The sample consists of 1796 elementary school students. Child maltreatment was measured by the child's report of parental neglect and physical abuse in wave 2 when the sample was the second grade. Child obesity was assessed using Body Mass Index (BMI) in wave 5. Self-esteem was measured in wave 3, and depressive symptoms in wave 4. The Structural Equation Modeling analysis shows that children's self-esteem significantly mediates the association between parental neglect and child obesity as well as that between physical abuse and child obesity. However, children's depressive symptoms do not demonstrate statistically significant mediating effects. This study discusses implications for research and practice to advance current knowledge and intervention efforts.

When Is a Child's Forensic Statement Deemed Credible? A Comparison of Physical and Sexual Abuse Cases.

A large national sample of 4,775 reports of child physical and sexual abuse made in Israel in 2014 was analyzed in order to examine whether assessments of credibility would vary according to abuse type, physical or sexual, and whether child and event characteristics contributing to the probability that reports of abuse would be determined as credible would be similar or different in child physical abuse (CPA) and child sexual abuse (CSA) cases. Results revealed that CPA reports were less likely to be viewed as credible (41.9%) compared to CSA reports (56.7%). Multigroup path analysis, however, indicated equivalence in predicting factors. In a unified model for both types of abuse, salient predictors of a credible judgment were older age, lack of a cognitive delay, and the alleged abusive event being a onetime less severe act. Over and beyond the effects of these factors, abuse type significantly contributed to the prediction of credibility judgments.

The cross-sectional relation between medically unexplained physical symptoms (MUPS) and the cortisol awakening response

Vasovagal syncope is governed by the autonomic nervous system and often precipitated by highly salient emotional situations. We hypothesized that a lifetime tendency towards vasovagal syncope may be precipitated by exposure to childhood trauma.We examined data from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) of adults aged 50 + (n = 6497) who were asked to report lifetime syncope frequency and any history of childhood sexual or physical abuse. Mediation analysis was used to assess the relative importance of pathways via which childhood trauma could plausibly increase risk of later life recurrent syncope including via depression, mid-life cardiovascular disease and frequent syncope in youth.18.2% reported a lifetime syncopal event: 4.0% frequent syncope in youth and 1.5% recurrent syncope in the last year. 10.9% reported childhood sexual or physical abuse, rising to 14.2% among those reporting any lifetime syncopal event, 21.0% with frequent syncope in youth and 20.2% with recurrent syncope in later life. In fully adjusted logistic regression models the report of childhood sexual or physical abuse was independently associated with frequent syncope in youth (OR 1.85 (CI 95% 1.27–2.71); p = 0.001; OR 2.14 (1.48–3.10); p < 0.001 respectively). A history of frequent syncope in youth and depression partially mediated the relationship between childhood sexual and physical abuse and recurrent syncope in later life, while mid-life cardiovascular disease was less important.Childhood trauma may contribute to a lifelong vasovagal tendency. Early attention should be given to the potential precipitating and perpetuating psychosocial factors affecting recurrent syncope.

Childhood trauma and lifetime syncope burden among older adults

ObjectiveVasovagal syncope is governed by the autonomic nervous system and often precipitated by highly salient emotional situations. We hypothesized that a lifetime tendency towards vasovagal syncope may be precipitated by exposure to childhood trauma. MethodsWe examined data from the first wave of The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) of adults aged 50+ (n=6497) who were asked to report lifetime syncope frequency and any history of childhood sexual or physical abuse. Mediation analysis was used to assess the relative importance of pathways via which childhood trauma could plausibly increase risk of later life recurrent syncope including via depression, mid-life cardiovascular disease and frequent syncope in youth. Results18.2% reported a lifetime syncopal event: 4.0% frequent syncope in youth and 1.5% recurrent syncope in the last year. 10.9% reported childhood sexual or physical abuse, rising to 14.2% among those reporting any lifetime syncopal event, 21.0% with frequent syncope in youth and 20.2% with recurrent syncope in later life. In fully adjusted logistic regression models the report of childhood sexual or physical abuse was independently associated with frequent syncope in youth (OR 1.85 (CI 95% 1.27–2.71); p=0.001; OR 2.14 (1.48–3.10); p<0.001 respectively). A history of frequent syncope in youth and depression partially mediated the relationship between childhood sexual and physical abuse and recurrent syncope in later life, while mid-life cardiovascular disease was less important. ConclusionChildhood trauma may contribute to a lifelong vasovagal tendency. Early attention should be given to the potential precipitating and perpetuating psychosocial factors affecting recurrent syncope.

Universal Mandatory Reporting Policies and the Odds of Identifying Child Physical Abuse.

To examine the relationships between universal mandatory reporting (UMR), child physical abuse reporting, and the moderating effect of UMR on physical abuse report outcomes by report source. We used a national data set of 204 414 children reported for physical abuse in 2013 to compare rates of total and confirmed reports by states or territories with and without UMR. We estimated odds and predicted probabilities of confirming a physical abuse report made by professional versus nonprofessional reporters, accounting for the moderating effect of UMR and individual-level characteristics. Rates of total and confirmed physical abuse reports did not differ by UMR status. Nonprofessionals were more likely to make reports in UMR states compared with states without UMR. Probability of making a confirmed report was significantly lower under UMR; this effect almost doubled for nonprofessionals compared with professional reporters. Universal mandatory reporting may not be the answer for strengthening the protection of children victimized by physical abuse. Implementation of child protection policies must be exercised according to evidence to exert the fullest impact and benefit of these laws.

Childhood adversity and midlife suicidal ideation

Childhood adversity predicts adolescent suicidal ideation but there are few studies examining whether the risk of childhood adversity extends to suicidal ideation in midlife. We hypothesized that childhood adversity predicts midlife suicidal ideation and this is partially mediated by adolescent internalizing disorders, externalizing disorders and adult exposure to life events and interpersonal difficulties. At 45 years, 9377 women and men from the UK 1958 British Birth Cohort Study participated in a clinical survey. Childhood adversity was prospectively assessed at the ages of 7, 11 and 16 years. Suicidal ideation at midlife was assessed by the depressive ideas subscale of the Revised Clinical Interview Schedule. Internalizing and externalizing disorders were measured by the Rutter scales at 16 years. Life events, periods of unemployment, partnership separations and alcohol dependence were measured through adulthood. Illness in the household, paternal absence, institutional care, parental divorce and retrospective reports of parental physical and sexual abuse predicted suicidal ideation at 45 years. Three or more childhood adversities were associated with suicidal ideation at 45 years [odds ratio (OR) 4.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.67-6.94]. Psychological distress at 16 years partially mediated the associations of physical abuse (OR 3.41, 95% CI 2.29-5.75), sexual abuse (OR 4.99, 95% CI 2.90-11.16) with suicidal ideation. Adult life events partially mediated the association of parental divorce (OR 6.34, 95% CI -7.16 to 36.75) and physical (OR 9.59, 95% CI 4.97-27.88) and sexual abuse (OR 6.59, 95% CI 2.40-38.36) with suicidal ideation at 45 years. Adversity in childhood predicts suicidal ideation in midlife, partially mediated by adolescent internalizing and externalizing disorders, adult life events and interpersonal difficulties. Understanding the pathways from adversity to suicidal ideation can inform suicide prevention and the targeting of preventive interventions.

Concordance of Parent- and Child-Reported Physical Abuse Following Child Protective Services Investigation.

Knowledge about the concordance of parent- and child-reported child physical abuse is scarce, leaving researchers and practitioners with little guidance on the implications of selecting either informant. Drawing from a 2008-2009 sample of 11- to 17-year-olds ( N = 636) from Wave 1 of the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, this study first examined parent-child concordance in physical abuse reporting (Parent-Child Conflict Tactic Scale). Second, it applied multivariate regression analysis to relate parent-child agreement in physical abuse to parent-reported (Child Behavior Checklist) and child-reported (Youth Self Report) child behavioral problems. Results indicate low parent-child concordance of physical abuse (κ = .145). Coreporting of physical abuse was related to clinical-level parent-reported externalizing problems ([Formula: see text] = 64.57), whereas child-only reports of physical abuse were the only agreement category related to child-reported internalizing problems ( B = 4.17, p < .001). Attribution bias theory may further understanding of reporting concordance and its implications.

Association of Reports of Childhood Abuse and All-Cause Mortality Rates in Women.

Research has linked childhood abuse to a variety of adult psychiatric problems, but little is known about associations of child abuse with adult mortality. To test associations of retrospective reports of physical and emotional abuse in childhood with all-cause mortality rates in adulthood. National sample of 6285 adults (aged 25-74 years at baseline) from the survey of Midlife Development in the United States. Baseline psychosocial data were collected in 1995 and 1996, with follow-up mortality data collected through October 2015. Participants completed questionnaires at baseline about self-report of childhood emotional abuse, moderate physical abuse, and severe physical abuse. Mortality data during the next 20 years was tracked using the National Death Index. Of the 6285 participants included in the study sample, 2987 were men (48%) and 5581were white (91%), with a mean (SD) age of 46.9 (12.95) years. Women who reported childhood emotional abuse (hazard ratio [HR], 1.22; 95% CI, 1.01-1.49; P = .04), moderate physical abuse (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.60; P = .02), or severe physical abuse (HR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.20-2.08; P = .001) were at increased risk for all-cause mortality during the follow-up period. Reports of more types of childhood abuse were also associated with a greater risk of all-cause mortality in women (all vs none HR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.24-2.30; P = .001; some vs none HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.52; P = .04). These effects could not be accounted for by childhood socioeconomic status, personality traits, or adult depression. No associations were observed in men. These results suggest that in addition to the established psychiatric consequences of abuse, women who report childhood abuse also remain vulnerable to premature mortality into adulthood. Thus, reported childhood abuse may have long-term ramifications for health and longevity in women.

Admission Service for Children With Suspected Nonaccidental Trauma

Research Article| August 01 2016 Admission Service for Children With Suspected Nonaccidental Trauma AAP Grand Rounds (2016) 36 (2): 22. https://doi.org/10.1542/gr.36-2-22 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Facebook Twitter LinkedIn MailTo Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Admission Service for Children With Suspected Nonaccidental Trauma. AAP Grand Rounds August 2016; 36 (2): 22. https://doi.org/10.1542/gr.36-2-22 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All PublicationsAll JournalsAAP Grand RoundsPediatricsHospital PediatricsPediatrics In ReviewNeoReviewsAAP NewsAll AAP Sites Search Advanced Search Topics: intentional trauma, wounds and injuries Source: Magoteaux S, Gilbert M, Langlais CS, et al. Should children with suspected nonaccidental trauma be admitted to a surgical service? J Am Coll Surg. 2016; 222(5): 838– 843; doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2015.12.049Google Scholar Investigators from multiple institutions conducted a retrospective review to compare outcomes for pediatric trauma patients suffering from suspected nonaccidental trauma (sNAT) who were managed on a surgical service (SS) versus a nonsurgical service (NSS). The researchers reviewed trauma admissions to the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Trauma Center, an American College of Surgeons (ACS) verified level I pediatric trauma center, from 2009–2013. In 2011 the institution implemented a policy change that permitted admission of sNAT patients to a NSS. For the study, trauma admissions were identified by ICD-9 codes; children admitted for trauma from sNAT were identified by specific diagnostic codes, record of consult by the Child Protection Team, report of physical abuse, or if a skeletal survey was performed. Identified patients with sNAT were classified as admitted to a SS or NSS. The primary study outcome was care-related indicators (CRIs), which are specific events defined by the ACS to identify episodes of suboptimal care. CRIs include instances of missed injuries, readmissions, and other incidents that represent opportunities for quality improvement in patient care. Patient age and injury severity score (ISS) were also recorded. Rates of CRIs among children admitted to a SS or NSS were compared. The investigators identified 671 patients admitted with sNAT: 365 were admitted to a SS (8% of SS trauma admissions) and 306 were admitted to a NSS (37% of NSS trauma admissions). Patient age and the presence of multisystem injuries did not differ between the 2 groups. While patients admitted to a SS had a statistically significant higher ISS, the difference was only 1 point, which is considered to be a clinically insignificant difference.1 Seventy percent of all CRIs occurred in patients admitted to a NSS. CRIs occurred more frequently with admission of sNAT patients to a NSS: 33 CRIs per 100 patients on a NSS versus 12 CRIs per 100 patients on an SS, P < .001. There was an increase in CRIs for sNAT patients from 18 per 100 patients to 26 per 100 patients after the 2011 policy change. The most common CRIs were direct admission, lack of consult, missed injury, and readmission. The authors conclude that patients with sNAT benefit from admission to a SS. Since reviewing these data, the institution has reversed their 2011 policy and now requires that all patients with sNAT be admitted to the trauma service. Dr Iqbal has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device. The medical community has recognized the vulnerability of pediatric trauma patients.2 Perhaps none are as vulnerable as victims of NAT. The current study highlights the suboptimal care (as defined by the ACS) of children with sNAT despite receiving care from... You do not currently have access to this content.

Does changing mandated reporting laws improve child maltreatment reporting in large U.S. counties?

The effects of changes in mandated child maltreatment reporting laws have not been systematically evaluated. To better understand the effects of these changes, the objectives of the present study are: (1) to assess the relationships between report rates and state universal and clergy reporting laws in 2010; (2) to compare the changes in total, confirmed, and maltreatment type report rates and with changes in reporting laws from 2000 to 2010, and (3) to examine whether there is any relationship with report rates and the nature of the mandated reporting law change. We used county-level data from the U.S. National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System for the years 2000 and 2010 to evaluate changes in reporting rates for total reports, confirmed reports, and confirmed maltreatment types while controlling for concurrent changes in child and community variables. We found that trends in 2010 for increased total and confirmed reports were similar to 2000 for counties with universal and/or clergy reporting requirements, which significantly contributed to report rates even after controlling for child and community factors. Universal reporting was associated with higher report rates for physical and sexual abuse, and clergy reporting requirements were associated with more sexual abuse, medical neglect and psychological maltreatment confirmed reports. However, while counties in states that changed their clergy reporting laws had higher increases in total reports, they had fewer confirmed physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and psychological maltreatment reports. More pronounced changes were noted in a state that made more pronounced changes in its clergy reporting laws. Policymakers should consider whether changing requirements for mandated reporting meaningfully improves child maltreatment identification.

The Effect of Intimate Partner Violence on the Psychosocial Development of Toddlers.

This study used data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II to examine the effects of intimate partner violence (IPV) on child-welfare-involved toddlers' psychosocial development. The sample was limited to toddlers aged 12 to 18 months with mothers who did ( n = 102) and did not ( n = 163) report IPV physical victimization. Multiple linear regression analyses showed, when compared with mothers who did not report IPV physical victimization, mothers who reported IPV physical victimization were more likely to have toddlers with higher levels of socioemotional and behavioral problems ( B = 5.06, p < .001). Conversely, delayed social competence was not associated with IPV ( B = -1.33, p > .05). Further analyses examining only toddlers with mothers who reported IPV physical victimization revealed, when compared with IPV-exposed toddlers who had a child welfare report of physical abuse as the primary maltreatment type, those with IPV as the primary maltreatment type were at lower risk of having socioemotional and behavioral problems ( B = -12.90, p < .05) and delayed social competence ( B = 3.27, p < .05). These findings indicate a significant concern regarding toddler psychosocial development when a mother has experienced IPV. This concern is even greater among IPV-exposed toddlers who experience physical abuse. We recommend child welfare workers assess for IPV. Once identified, early prevention and intervention services should be offered and tailored to the specific needs of IPV-affected families.

Posttraumatic stress symptom trajectories among children exposed to violence.

Little research has examined the developmental course of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children. The current study aimed to identify developmental trajectories of PTSS in childhood and to examine predictors of symptom presentation in 1,178 children from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) studies, a consortium of studies focusing on the causes and effects of child maltreatment. Most children had a history of documented reports with Child Protective Services (CPS) and all were identified as living in high-risk environments. Using group-based trajectory modeling, 3 unique developmental trajectories were identified: Resilient, Clinical-Improving (PTSS in the clinical range at baseline then declining over time), and Borderline-Stable (chronically subclinical PTSS). Children in the Clinical-Improving group were more likely than children in the Resilient group to have reports of physical abuse (RRR = 1.76), emotional abuse (RRR = 2.55), neglect (RRR = 1.57), and exposure to violence at home and in the community (RRR = 1.04). Children in the Borderline-Stable group were more likely than children in the Resilient group to have a CPS history of neglect (RRR = 2.44) and exposure to violence at home and in the community (RRR = 1.04). Many children living in high-risk environments exhibit resilience to PTSS, but exposure to witnessed violence and neglect appear to put children at chronic risk for poor adjustment. These children may require more intensive, integrated clinical services that attend to multiple adverse experiences.

The effect of material hardship on child protective service involvement

This study employs four waves of survey data on 1,135 families from the Illinois Families Study, a longitudinal panel study of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families in Illinois. This study explores the following issues within this low-income population: (1) whether material hardships are associated with child protective services (CPS) investigations, (2) whether the effect of material hardship on CPS differs by the type of child maltreatment investigated, and (3) whether psychological distress mediates the association between material hardship and CPS involvement. Results from pooled and fixed effects logistic regressions suggest that caregivers who experience material hardship are more likely to become involved in CPS. In general, investigated neglect reports are responsive to particular types of hardship such as housing and food, while investigated physical abuse reports are responsive to levels of hardship regardless of specific types. The association between material hardship and CPS involvement is not fully explained by depressive symptoms or parenting stress. The study results suggest that in order to prevent child maltreatment, it may be necessary to address a family's unmet material needs through economic support interventions.

The effect of Early Head Start on child welfare system involvement: A first look at longitudinal child maltreatment outcomes

The high societal and personal costs of child maltreatment make identification of effective early prevention programs a high research priority. Early Head Start (EHS), a dual generational program serving low-income families with children prenatally through age three years, is one of the largest federally funded programs for infants and toddlers in the United States. A national randomized trial found EHS to be effective in improving parent and child outcomes, but its effectiveness in reducing child maltreatment was not assessed. The current study used administrative data from state child welfare agencies to examine the impact of EHS on documented abuse and neglect among children from seven of the original seventeen programs in the national EHS randomized controlled trial. Results indicated that children in EHS had significantly fewer child welfare encounters between the ages of five and nine years than did children in the control group, and that EHS slowed the rate of subsequent encounters. Additionally, compared to children in the control group, children in EHS were less likely to have a substantiated report of physical or sexual abuse, but more likely to have a substantiated report of neglect. These findings suggest that EHS may be effective in reducing child maltreatment among low-income children, in particular, physical and sexual abuse.

530: Pregnant women are inconsistent in their disclosure of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse

530: Pregnant women are inconsistent in their disclosure of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse

Childhood maltreatment and coping in bipolar disorder.

A personal history of childhood maltreatment has been associated with unfavorable outcomes in bipolar disorder (BD). The impact of early life stressors on the course of BD may be influenced by individual differences in coping skills. The coping construct relies on neurocognitive mechanisms that are usually influenced by childhood maltreatment. The objective of the present study was to verify the association between childhood maltreatment and coping skills in individuals with BD Type 1. Thirty female euthymic outpatients with BD Type 1 were evaluated using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and two additional instruments to measure their coping preferences: Ways of Coping Questionnaire (coping strategies) and Brief COPE (coping styles). Reports of physical abuse (B = .64, p < .01) and emotional abuse (B = .44, p = .01) were associated with the use of maladaptive strategies that focused on emotional control. Adaptive strategies and styles of coping, such as focusing on the problem, were chosen less frequently by women who had experienced emotional neglect (B = .53, p < .01) and physical abuse (B = -.48, p < .01) in childhood. The small sample size in the present study prevented subgroup analyses. The sample did not include male BD participants. Our results indicate that early traumatic events may have a long-lasting deleterious influence on coping abilities in female BD patients. Future prospective studies may investigate whether the negative impact of childhood maltreatment over the course of BD is mediated by individual differences in coping abilities.

Child maltreatment reports in Israel: The intersection between community socioeconomic characteristics and ethnicity.

The authors examined the relationship between community characteristics and child maltreatment reports in Israel, comparing Jewish and Arab localities both in terms of maltreatment reports and the responses of the social services to these reports. Administrative data were obtained from the protective services and the Central Bureau of Statistics for 231 local authorities in Israel (covering 98% of children in Israel). Jewish communities showed significantly more reports of sexual abuse and physical abuse than Arab communities. Reporting rates also showed different associations with socioeconomic and demographic variables. In Jewish localities, demographic, economic, and educational factors were all correlated with the reporting of child maltreatment, whereas in Arab localities, only median age (young) of the local population was associated with a greater rate of child maltreatment reporting. No differences in the responses of the protective services were found. Implications of the results for future policy are discussed.

A national survey of childhood physical abuse among females in Swaziland

ObjectiveThis study describes the scope and characteristics of childhood physical abuse in a nationally representative sample of 13–24year-old females in Swaziland. The current study also examined health consequences and risk factors of childhood physical abuse. MethodsThe study utilized a two-stage cluster sampling design in order to conduct the household survey. Retrospective reports of childhood physical abuse and relevant risk factors were collected from 1292 females. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models examined associations between childhood physical abuse and both health consequences and risk factors. ResultsNearly 1 in 5 females in Swaziland has experienced childhood physical abuse in their lifetime, with nearly 1 in 20 having experienced abuse that was so severe that it required medical attention. A number of risk factors for lifetime childhood physical abuse were identified including: maternal death prior to age 13; having lived with three or more families during their childhood; and having experienced emotional abuse prior to age 13. ConclusionsPreventing childhood physical abuse in Swaziland may be addressed through: promoting safe, stable, and nurturing relationships between children and their caretakers; addressing social norms that contribute to harsh physical punishment; and addressing underlying stressors associated with severe social and economic disadvantage.