Types Of Abuse Research Articles

Prediction of depressive symptoms in young adults by polygenic score and childhood maltreatment: Results from a population-based birth cohort.

Childhood maltreatment is linked with later depressive symptoms, but not every maltreated child will experience symptoms later in life. Therefore, we investigate whether genetic predisposition for depression (i.e., polygenic score for depression, PGSDEP) modifies the association between maltreatment and depressive symptoms, while accounting for different types of maltreatment and whether it was evaluated through prospective and retrospective reports. The sample included 541-617 participants from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development with information on maltreatment, including threat, deprivation, assessed prospectively (5 months-17 years) and retrospectively (reported at 23 years), PGSDEP and self-reported depressive symptoms (20-23 years). Using hierarchical linear regressions, we found that retrospective, but not prospective indicators of maltreatment (threat/deprivation/cumulative) were associated with later depressive symptoms, above and beyond the PGSDEP. Our findings also show the presence of gene-environment interactions, whereby the association between maltreatment (retrospective cumulative maltreatment/threat, prospective deprivation) and depression was strengthened among youth with higher PGSDEP scores. Consistent with the Diathesis-Stress hypothesis, our findings suggest that a genetic predisposition for depression may exacerbate the putative impact of maltreatment on later depressive symptoms, especially when maltreatment is retrospective. Understanding the gene-environment interplay emerging in the context of maltreatment has the potential to guide prevention efforts.

Defining child maltreatment for research and surveillance: a Delphi study in 34 countries

Abstract Background Child maltreatment is a complex public health issue that has consequences across the life-course. Studies to measure child maltreatment and identify interventions and services are constrained by a lack of uniform definitions across sectors and countries. We conducted a Delphi study to reach consensus on types and characteristics of child maltreatment for use in surveillance and research in Europe. Methods Statements were developed following a scoping review and identification of key concepts by an international expert team (n = 19). A multidisciplinary expert panel (n = 70) from 34 countries participated in three rounds of online data collection. We defined consensus as ≥ 70% agreement or disagreement with each statement after the final round. Results Consensus was reached on 26/31 statements, with a participant retention rate of 94%. The definition states that child maltreatment is a subtype of violence against children. The perpetrator can be an adult or minor, but must be in a position of power over the child. To define an act or omission as child maltreatment, it must cause harm or have the potential to cause harm, regardless of intention, severity, chronicity, or the traditional/cultural beliefs of the perpetrator. In addition, the broad umbrella term encompassing emotional, behavioural or cognitive maltreatment should be “psychological”, and psychological maltreatment should be split into sub-types of psychological abuse and psychological neglect. “Neglect” is a broad type of child maltreatment within which there are subtypes that can all be characterised as “failure to provide” or “failure to supervise”. Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate consensus on the types and key characteristics of child maltreatment across multiple sectors and countries, providing a unified definition of child maltreatment to improve consistency of measurement and surveillance in Europe. This abstract is submitted on behalf of Working Group 1 COST Action 19106. Key messages • A standardised definition is essential for monitoring child maltreatment. • We propose a consensus-based definition that can be used to improve child maltreatment measurement in research and surveillance.

The Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Fibromyalgia in Women with Borderline Personality Disorder and Their Association with Childhood Abuse

Childhood abuse is a significant factor in the development of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and many physical health disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and fibromyalgia. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of PCOS and fibromyalgia in women with BPD compared to the general population. Additionally, it compared the prevalence of these conditions in women who experienced different types of childhood abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual). Participants were identified from the Multidisciplinary Alfred Psychiatry research centre’s Women’s Mental Health Clinic database, including 150 women diagnosed with BPD. Clinicians collected information on PCOS, fibromyalgia, and trauma history. Results showed higher rates of PCOS (17.3%) and fibromyalgia (8.7%) in women with BPD compared to general population samples. Emotional abuse was associated with the highest PCOS prevalence (22.8%), while co-occurring physical, sexual, and emotional abuse was linked to the highest fibromyalgia prevalence. These findings highlight the significant prevalence of PCOS and fibromyalgia in women with BPD and their association with childhood abuse.

Childhood maltreatment, adulthood obesity and incident type 2 diabetes: a retrospective cohort study using UK Biobank.

This study aims to explore the association of childhood maltreatment with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) in adulthood, and whether obesity is a mediator of the latter. In a retrospective cohort study using UK Biobank data, participants recalled childhood maltreatment. Linear regression, logistic regression, and Cox proportional hazard models were used to investigate the associations with body mass index (BMI), obesity, and T2D, adjusted for sociodemographic factors. Decomposition analysis was used to examine the extent to which T2D excess risk was attributed to BMI. Of the 153,601 participants who completed the childhood maltreatment questions, one-third reported some form of maltreatment. Prevalence of adult obesity and incidence of T2D were higher with the number of reported childhood maltreatment types. People who reported ≥3 types of childhood maltreatment were at higher risk of obesity (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.47-1.63) and incident T2D (HR 1.65, 95% CI 1.52-1.80). Excess T2D risk among those reporting maltreatment could be reduced by 39% if their BMI was comparable to participants who had not been maltreated, assuming causality. People who recalled maltreatment in childhood are at higher risk of T2D in adulthood, partly due to obesity.

Protective and Promotive Factors in Migrant and Refugee Children Facing Violence: A Systematic Review.

Migrant and refugee children are at risk of experiencing various forms of violence before, during, or after migration. This study systematically identifies, reviews, and synthesizes evidence on protective and promotive factors that contribute to the resilience of migrant and refugee children facing violence. Of the 3,663 articles identified through search in five electronic databases and snowball technique, 31 quantitative or qualitative research studies met the inclusion criteria. To be included in the review, studies had to (1) have been published after 2013; (2) have been published in English; (3) include migrant or refugee children and/or adolescents aged 18 or below at the time of interview or migration; (4) mention some types of maltreatment, peer violence, or community violence faced by the children or adolescents; (5) examine the association between the hypothesized protective or promotive factors and indicators of adaptive functioning; and (6) include outcome measures that assessed adaptive functioning such as well-being or absence or low-levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. Quality assessment did not lead to the exclusion of any studies. Five levels of protective and promotive factors were identified: individual, family, school and peers, community, and spatial dimension, which converged to highlight the importance of regulatory, interpersonal, and meaning-making strengths for these children. Understanding and addressing these protective and promotive factors is crucial for promoting well-being and improving mental health outcomes in migrant and refugee children facing violence. The findings of this review have significant implications for designing intervention programs and public policies that support these children effectively.

PENYULUHAN HUKUM MENUMBUHKAN JIWA ANTI NARKOBA PADA WARGA DESA DUAMPANUAE KECAMATAN BULUPODDO KABUPATEN SINJAI

In this paper aims to reveal the dangers of drugs at all age levels both adults, adolescents and even childre. The number of drug users in Indonesia continues to increase. The origin of the problem, much of what is happening today is caused by drugs,with various types of drug abuse, with this finally in the medical world or medicine is no longer used. This type of drung is often misused and can lead to dependence. There are several reasons for using drugs, namely, among others, to deal with stress, and or to have fun. The data analysis used is by analyzing various types of information collected from various mass media which is strengthened by using original sources in books that explain the dangers of drugs, the causes of drug abuse and efforts to overcome drug abuse. What will happen, the author shares that the contributing factors to drung abuse can be caused by family factors that pay less attention to their children, and environmental factors can also be very influential so that religious education can be used as a role model for someone so they are not entangled in drug abuse.

Child maltreatment and insomnia symptoms among Chinese university students: the buffering role of self-efficacy.

Insomnia symptoms represent a significant public health concern, as it engenders substantial long-term health consequences. Considerable research has established the detrimental impacts of child maltreatment on sleep problems among university students. However, the role of self-efficacy in the association between childhood maltreatment and insomnia remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the associations between child maltreatment and insomnia symptoms among university students, and to investigate whether self-efficacy moderated the effects of child maltreatment on insomnia symptoms. A total of 2014 participants with random cluster sampling method were recruited from Jinan University in Guangzhou, China, from October 2022 to November 2022. Adjusting for covariates, the results of multiple logistic regression indicated that the participants with the experience of any type of child maltreatment (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.63-3.07), childhood emotional abuse (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.95-3.41), childhood emotional neglect (OR 1.16, 95% CI 0.87-1.54), childhood physical abuse (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.60-2.8), childhood physical neglect (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.64-2.92), childhood sexual abuse (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.46-2.68) were more likely to report insomnia symptoms than those without. Individuals reporting one-two types and three-five types of child maltreatment were 1.81 times (95% CI 1.30-2.52) and 3.77 times (95% CI 2.58-5.50) more likely to report insomnia symptoms than those reporting zero types of child maltreatment, respectively. Furthermore, robust linear regression analysis revealed that self-efficacy moderated the associations between child maltreatment and insomnia symptoms (β = 0.007, 95% CI 0.004-0.010). These findings underscore the need for integrated mental health education, support services, and faculty training to address the impact of child maltreatment on insomnia symptoms among university students. Policy recommendations include advocating for comprehensive mental health services, incorporating self-efficacy initiatives, and fostering community engagement for a holistic approach to student well-being.

A systematic review examining outcomes of children following permanency placements

Children in care have experienced adversities, including maltreatment prior to contact with the system, negatively impacting on their mental health outcomes. The type of placement and length of time in care are thought to be important and the child welfare system aim is to achieve a permanent decision for children that best supports their needs by establishing a stable familial network. Permanency decisions can include reunification, foster care, kinship care, adoption, and residential placements. This review aims to establish to what extent permanent placement type, maltreatment experienced, length of time in care and age at which permanency is achieved impacts child mental health outcomes. Following PRISMA guidelines, five databases (ASSIA, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus and SocINDEX) and two registers (CENTRAL and TRoPHI) were systematically searched yielding six articles for inclusion in the study. Data were extracted and articles critically appraised utilising the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool (CCAT). Papers reported mixed findings for permanent placement type and child mental health outcomes with little or no significant overall differences reported. Type of maltreatment experienced moderated the type of mental health symptomology reported. Difficulties in attachment and social relationships were reported for children placed older than two years, although confounding factors such as type of maltreatment likely reduce the strength of the association. Typically, children in permanent placements had better outcomes compared with peers in short-term or unstable placements. A lack of suitable validated and age-appropriate outcome measures and the existence of confounding factors impair our understanding of the interaction between pre-care adversities, the child welfare system itself and permanent placement outcomes.

Characteristics of adult male victims in intimate heterosexual relationships from domestic violence police narratives

Background settingDomestic violence (DV) perpetrated against male victims has received little attention in the literature, since men are generally the perpetrators rather than victims of DV. This study examines the characteristics of adult male victims and female Persons of Interest (POIs) suspected and/or charged with perpetrating a DV offence in an intimate relationship.MethodsWe analyzed the results from a text mining study on half a million (492,393) police-attended DV events from 2005 to 2016 in New South Wales (Australia). 7.3% (13,896) events involving an adult male victim and a female POI in an intimate relationship were included.ResultsOver three-quarters (77.5%; 10,775) of DV events had at least one abuse type recorded, with the most common being “unspecified assault” (57.3%), followed by verbal abuse (34.1%), and punching (29.1%). Half of events (51.2%; 7,128) had an injury recorded by the police, with “cut/abrasion(s)” the most common (41.6%), followed by “red mark/sign” (25.4%), and “bruising” (15.8%). A total of 2,196 (15.8%) DV events had a mention of a mental illness for the POIs and 570 (4.1%) for the victims. Mood disorders had the most mentions for both POIs (37.0%) and victims (32.8%). Among victims, anxiety related disorders saw the largest increase (14.0%) in mentions from 2005 to 2016, followed by depression (8.0%).ConclusionOur findings represent population level data insights from DV events involving an adult male victim in an intimate relationship with a female POI. Our findings align with existing studies suggesting that female POIs are more likely than male POIs to use objects/weapons, employ verbal abuse, and perform minor acts of physical violence. Female POIs had 4 times the number of mental illness mentions than male victims indicating that mental illness could be a risk factor for DV, while the increase in anxiety disorders and depression for male victims corresponds with research that associates mental illnesses and DV victimhood. This study highlights the need for a greater awareness and support for male victims of DV.

The Influence of Childhood Emotional Abuse and Neglect on Love Addiction: The Indirect Effect of Vulnerable Narcissism Among Female and Male Emerging Adults.

Childhood maltreatment is a key precursor to vulnerable narcissism since it likely lead to a narcissistic injury that triggers defenses against rage and abandonment. In later life, this pattern may contribute to a maladaptive model of love relationships. The present study explored the association between different types of childhood maltreatment (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; physical and emotional neglect) and love addiction via vulnerable narcissism in a community sample of 505 cisgender emerging adults (M = 24.90, SD = 2.67; 76.6% assigned female at birth (AFAB); 68.5% heterosexual) residing in Italy. Data collection relied on self-report questionnaires administered online through the Qualtrics platform, and study hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. The results showed that childhood emotional abuse and emotional neglect directly influenced love addiction, while physical and sexual abuse, as well as physical neglect, showed no significant effects. Greater childhood emotional abuse and neglect were associated with increased vulnerable narcissism, leading to higher levels of love addiction. Gender differences emerged, with the indirect effect of vulnerable narcissism on the relationship between emotional neglect and love addiction significant only for AFAB. The findings emphasize the risk of love addiction in emerging adults with a history of childhood emotional abuse and neglect, highlighting the importance of addressing childhood emotional maltreatment and vulnerable narcissistic personality traits in interventions to treat this condition.

Child maltreatment elevated the risk of late-life chronic pain: a biopsychosocial framework from the UK Biobank cohort.

Understanding the development of chronic pain (CP) is challenging due to its multifactorial etiology. Child maltreatment (CM), encompassing various types of neglect and abuse affecting more than one-third of the population, is a critical aspect of early-life adversity with long-lasting impacts. It is increasingly recognized for its role in altering biopsychosocial processes, potentially increasing vulnerability to CP. However, the exact path connecting CM to CP is not fully elucidated, primarily attributable to limitations in prior research, including insufficient sample sizes, inadequate consideration of comprehensive mediative variables, and a lack of longitudinal data. To address these gaps, our study utilizes a large-scale dataset (n = 150,989) comprising both cross-sectional and longitudinal data, along with an extensive range of biopsychosocial variables. Our findings reveal that all types of CMs, except physical neglect, significantly increase the risk of CP, and all types of CPs, except headache, were affected by CM. Furthermore, we demonstrate that individuals with CM histories are more predisposed to comorbid CP conditions. Importantly, biopsychosocial factors are found to explain over 60% of the association between CM and CP, with psychological factors playing a key role. This study not only characterizes the relationship between CM and CP but also underscores the influence of psychosocial elements in this dynamic interplay. These findings offer important insights into the long-term impacts of CM and provide a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic and preventive strategies for CP.

Why do prospective and retrospective measures of childhood maltreatment differ? Qualitative analyses in a cohort study

BackgroundResearch indicates that prospective and retrospective measures of maltreatment often identify different groups of individuals, yet the reasons for these discrepancies remain understudied. ObjectiveThis study explores potential sources of disagreement between prospective and retrospective measures of maltreatment, utilising qualitative data from interviewers' notes. Participants and settingThe Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study includes 2232 children followed from ages 5–18. Prospective measures relied on caregiver interviews and researcher observations from ages 5–12, while retrospective measures involved self-reports via the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire at age 18. MethodsWe purposively sampled written interviewer notes from 36 participants who reported more types of maltreatment retrospectively than prospectively (‘new reports’ group) and 31 participants who reported fewer types retrospectively than prospectively (‘omitted reports’ group). We conducted a framework analysis of the notes, comparing between the two groups to explore explanations for measurement disagreement. ResultsThree categories of themes emerged related to measurement discrepancies: challenges with prospective measures, highlighting reasons given by the ‘new reports’ group for why maltreatment went undetected or was not adequately responded to prospectively; challenges with retrospective measures that highlight difficulties with openness and accuracy of self-reports; and differences in appraisals of violence or distressing childhood experiences between the two groups that might lead to new or omitted retrospective reports. ConclusionsOur findings underscore potential mechanisms underlying the disagreement between prospective and retrospective measures, contributing to better understanding of these different constructs and more balanced interpretation of related findings.

Using machine learning modeling to identify childhood abuse victims on the basis of personality inventory responses

Trauma is very common and associated with significant co-morbidity world-wide, particularly PTSD and frequently other mental health disorders. However, it can be challenging to identify victims of abuse as self-reports can be difficult to elicit due to emotional distress. Better confirmation of a history of significant mistreatment can assist significantly in treatment planning. We evaluate an alternate approach based on machine-learning techniques applied to personality inventory data (Minnesota Personality Inventory, Adolescent Version; MMPI-A) obtained concurrently to examine convergence with reports of past trauma exposure. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was administered to 733 child and adolescent inpatients. Statistical and information-theory measures showed that each type of abuse – sexual, physical, and emotional – had a unique “fingerprint” of MMPI-A profiles. In contrast to our previous findings in terms of specific correlations with IQ, individuals positive for Sexual abuse had the fewest MMPI-A elevations, followed by Physical abuse, while those reporting Emotional abuse had the greatest number of elevations. We developed an initial classifier Machine Learning (ML) model for predicting a history of abuse that demonstrates equivalent sensitivity compared to other widely used screening measures. In addition, we show via PCA and cluster analysis that the different levels of severity of emotional abuse present with unique mixtures of personality trait characteristics. Thus, this type of ML mediated analysis could permit at-scale detection of those at potential high risk of a history of abuse by use of real-time information, using a variety of nontransparent data sources.

Association between self-reported child maltreatment and risk of hospital-treated infectious diseases in middle-aged and older adults: A UK Biobank cohort study.

This study aimed to explore the association between child maltreatment and hospital-treated infectious diseases in middle-aged and older adults. 145,151 participants aged 38-72 years from the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010 were enrolled and interviewed. Child maltreatment included five types: physical abuse, physical neglect, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse. Patterns of maltreatment were identified using latent class analysis (LCA). Cox regression was employed to estimate the associations between child maltreatment (number of types, individual types, and patterns) and infectious diseases. Further, we evaluated potential mediators using mediation analysis. Over a median follow-up of 13.4 years, 22,688 participants (12.26 per 1000 person-years) were hospitalized for an infectious disease. Participants reporting any maltreatment had elevated infectious diseases risk (HR 1.18, 95 % CI: 1.15-1.21) than those without maltreatment. A dose-response relationship was observed between the number of maltreatment types and infectious disease (one, HR 1.09 [95 % CI 1.06-1.13]; two, HR 1.17 [95 % CI 1.12-1.23]; three to five, HR 1.48 [95 %CI 1.41-1.55]; Ptrend < 0.001). Each type of maltreatment was associated with increased infectious diseases risk. LCA identified four patterns (low maltreatment, child neglect, child abuse, and poly-maltreatment), with those experiencing poly-maltreatment exhibiting the highest infectious diseases risk (HR 1.51, 95 % CI: 1.43-1.59). The association between child maltreatment and infectious diseases was mediated by C-reactive protein, phenotypic age acceleration, loneliness, psychiatric disorders, and unhealthy lifestyles. Child maltreatment may increase susceptibility to a broad spectrum of infectious diseases in adulthood, highlighting the need for early-life maltreatment prevention policies.

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.

Understanding the impact of domestic violence on children's mental health and exploring effective intervention strategies

Exposure to domestic violence in the home can have profound and long-lasting effects on children's mental health and development. An extensive body of research has demonstrated the links between witnessing domestic abuse and increased risks of psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder in affected children. However, not all children exposed to violence experience negative outcomes, and interventions can help mitigate harm. This research aims to synthesize what is known about the multifaceted psychological consequences of domestic violence exposure for children and identify effective support strategies. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to understand prevalence rates, forms of abuse, and potential moderating and mediating factors. Key findings indicate that while abuse types, including physical, emotional, verbal, and financial violence, can all impact children's mental health, factors like age, gender, resilience characteristics, and social support networks influence outcomes. Trauma-focused therapies, parent-child interaction programs, play-based interventions, and school-based supports show promise as evidence-based approaches. Recommendations target collaboration between policymakers, practitioners, and researchers to strengthen legislation, implement multidisciplinary treatment, and conduct further longitudinal studies. The goal is to illuminate this critical issue and guide the development and evaluation of integrated systems of care focused on child wellness and family violence prevention.

The relationship between spousal violence, maternal functioning, depression, and anxiety among Iranian postpartum mothers: a prospective study

BackgroundViolence against women is a critical public health issue that adversely affects physical and mental health, contributing to injuries, chronic conditions, and mental health disorders. This study addresses the gap in understanding the relationship between spousal violence with maternal functioning and mental health in postpartum mothers.MethodsThis Prospective study was conducted on 316 postpartum women who gave birth in Al-Zahra and Taleghani Educational Treatment Centers in Tabriz, Iran, from June 2023 to October 2023. Participants were selected using convenience sampling and followed up for 6–8 weeks. The data were collected using the Revised Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS2), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Postpartum Specific Anxiety Scale (PSAS), and the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). A general linear model, adjusted for individual, social, and obstetric variables, was used to determine the relationship between domestic violence, maternal functioning, depression and anxiety.ResultsMost women (84%) experienced one or more types of intimate partner violence (IPV), including psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. About one-third (32.9%) reported psychological abuse, 21.2% physical violence, 49.4% sexual coercion, and 6.3% reported injuries. The adjusted general linear model showed that the mean depression score was lower in individuals without any experience of violence compared to those who had experienced any violence (β: -1.75; 95% CI: -3.40 to -0.10; p = 0.038). The mean depression score was significantly higher in homemakers compared to employed individuals (β = 3.53; 95% CI = 1.22 to 5.84, p = 0.003). The mean maternal functioning score was significantly higher in those who had not experienced mild physical violence compared to those who had (β = 2.94; 95% CI = 0.34 to 5.55, p = 0.027). The mean anxiety score was lower in individuals with high income (β: -3.38; 95% CI: -5.73 to -1.04; p = 0.005) and moderate income (β: -2.21; 95% CI: -4.35 to -0.07; p = 0.043) compared to those with low income.ConclusionThe findings reveal a high prevalence of violence, particularly sexual coercion, significantly affecting maternal functioning and mental health. Socioeconomic factors also play a crucial role in postpartum mental health. These results highlight the urgent need for enhanced prevention efforts and targeted interventions that consider the socio-economic context and specific forms of violence.

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

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

Understanding drug craving: evidence from fMRI studies

Drug craving is a major crisis experienced by active or former drug abusers. The experience is characterised by an intense desire to abuse drugs for self-pleasure and satisfaction. This desire appears to be the main culprit behind the skyrocketing relapse rate. Neuroimaging has identified neural substrates associated with drug cravings. Here, we provide a mini-review of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies that have examined the brain regions associated with the common types of drug abuse — heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Most studies use visual cues (that is drug-related images) to elicit brain responses in reward-related pathways. Studies have also focused on comparing brain activities between active drug abusers, drug-abstinent individuals, and healthy controls. Current evidence suggests that the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) is associated with heroin craving, whereas the ventral striatum and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) underpin methamphetamine craving. Meanwhile, the hypothalamus is responsible for cocaine cravings. Compared to active drug abusers, drug-abstinent individuals demonstrated fewer brain activations when viewing drug-related images. The relationship between brain response and drug cravings is discussed in terms of brain functions and drug types. The findings offer valuable insights into the potential role of these brain areas in drug cravings and have important implications for drug addiction treatments.

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

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