Emotional Abuse Research Articles

Psychological abuse and its influencing factors among home-dwelling older people in Northern China: a cross-sectional survey

BackgroundAs the population ages, the subject of elder abuse has become more prominent, with psychological abuse of older people being particularly prevalent. This leads to a higher incidence of anxiety, depression, and other psychological problems among older people, reducing their quality of life, and even jeopardizing their safety.MethodsA cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate psychological abuse among home-dwelling older people in Northern China and its influencing factors. Participants were surveyed using a demographic questionnaire, activities of daily living (ADL), family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale (FACES), and elder psychological abuse scale. The factors impacting psychological abuse were examined using binary logistic regression.ResultsA total of 465 home-dwelling older people participated in the study, with an effective response rate of 97.89%. The median item score of psychological abuse was 20 (IQR: 18–22), activities of daily living was 15 (IQR: 14–17), and family adaptability and cohesion was 96 (IQR: 86–105). Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the factors affecting psychological abuse among home-dwelling older people were residence in rural areas (OR = 3.487, 95% CI = 2.121–5.732), monthly income ≥ 3,501 (OR = 0.342, 95% CI = 0.119–0.987), had chronic diseases (OR = 2.202, 95% CI = 1.356–3.576), and FACES (OR = 0.955, 95% CI = 0.936–0.974) were the factors that influenced the prevalence of psychological abuse.ConclusionIn Northern China, the level of psychological abuse among older people is low. It is associated with residence, monthly income, chronic diseases, and family adaptability and cohesion. Further studies are required to understand the underlying causes and develop effective interventions to reduce psychological abuse and ensure a comfortable old life for older Chinese people.

Examining the Mediating Effects of Dissociation in the Association Between Maternal Histories of Maltreatment and Mother-Infant Bonding

ABSTRACT Child maltreatment (CM) is a major global concern. Research has shown that CM may impact early attachment. However, few studies have examined factors related to the perinatal period, such as symptoms of dissociation during pregnancy and maternal histories of experiencing CM. Given the potential implications for early intervention and prevention, this study aimed to examine if prenatal dissociation mediates the association between maternal histories of CM (total and subtypes) and early mother-infant bonding at three months postpartum using an at-risk sample of younger mothers with high rates of CM. The sample included women, between 18 to 29 years old, who completed online surveys during pregnancy (Time 1 n = 85) and postpartum (Time 2 n = 57). Mediation models were run using SPSS PROCESS. The results highlighted that with the CM total score, there was a significant indirect effect from CM to early bonding through prenatal maternal dissociation. This model explained 19.89% of the variance of early bonding. The models examining the four CM subtypes individually (neglect, physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, and sexual abuse) yielded similar results. These results have implications for practitioners, such as targeting maternal histories of CM, dissociation, and early bonding using trauma-informed care practices during the perinatal period.

Illuminating Gaslighting: A Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Review of Gaslighting Literature

Abstract Purpose With the rise of coercive control legislation in Australia and the UK, it has become increasingly important to clarify the discourse surrounding common psychological abuse tactics, such as gaslighting. This literature review seeks to aid future research in conceptualising gaslighting by exploring its complex nature and tracing its evolution across different fields. The primary aim is to compile and synthesize research from various disciplines, enhancing cross-field communication and providing a clearer understanding of the term’s origins and potential future applications. Method This literature review synthesizes existing research on gaslighting by examining its evolution and operationalization across multiple fields, including medicine, psychiatry, psychodynamics, psychology and individual differences, sociology, and philosophy. Results The review reveals significant inconsistencies in the operationalization of gaslighting across various fields, such framing gaslighting as a type of family abuse used for personal or material gain, a form of interpersonal communication between couples, and an expression of structural power. It underscores the need for a stronger theoretical basis in empirical research on gaslighting and recommends moving away from the current focus on individual differences prevalent in empirical studies. Conclusion By providing a comprehensive synthesis of existing research, this review shines a light on the shifting conceptualization of gaslighting. It emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary communication and the need for a more robust theoretical framework to improve empirical studies. This unified understanding is crucial for developing more effective legal and psychological interventions to address gaslighting and other forms of psychological abuse.

Transitioning from NAFLD to MAFLD and MASLD: the toxic relationship with alcohol consumption

Alcohol is a well-known toxic etiologic factor for liver injury. Metabolic substrates of alcohol (especially acetaldehyde) have a major responsibility and genetic susceptibility, alterations in microbiota and immune system are important co-factors for this injury. Major injury in liver is hepatocellular lipid accumulation. Therefore the relationship between non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver diseases should have been defined clearly. Recently two major liver committees adopted new terminologies such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD) instead of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). These terminologies were based on the effects of metabolic syndrome on liver. Alcohol consumption was defined differently according to these nomenclatures. MAFLD defined alcohol intake (regardless of amount) as “dual etiology fatty liver disease” and the Delphi consensus defined MASLD, MetALD, or ALD according to daily consumption of alcohol amount.

Exhibitionism - a review of research

Introduction and Objective: Exhibitionism is a paraphilic behavior characterized by a persistent or recurrent tendency to expose one’s genitalia to strangers, typically without the intention of further interaction. The aim of this publication is to discuss various aspects of exhibitionism based on the latest literature. Review Methods: A search was conducted in the PubMed database to identify scientific articles containing the term “exhibitionism” in their title, abstract, or keywords. The search focused on articles published between 2014 and 2024, with an emphasis on studies exploring the etiology, prevalence, and treatment of exhibitionism.Brief Description of the State of Knowledge: While often linked to sexual excitement and followed by masturbation, exibitionism is more commonly observed in men. Research highlights several potential risk factors for exhibitionistic disorder, including childhood sexual or emotional abuse, hypersexuality, and sexual preoccupation. Neurobiological, cognitive, and social mechanisms are believed to underlie the development of these tendencies. Treatment of exhibitionistic disorder primarily involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Pharmacological approaches are also employed to manage symptoms by modulating serotonergic transmission. Summary: Although relatively uncommon, exhibitionistic disorder has significant implications for individuals and society, underscoring the need for improved awareness, accurate prevalence estimates, and expanded access to effective treatment interventions. Further investigation into the true prevalence of exhibitionistic disorder is warranted, as current estimates may be imprecise.

Intersectionality of Gender and Age as an Analytical Framework for Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Against Older Women in Colombia

This research article aims to address the critical gap in understanding intimate partner violence (IPV) among older women, particularly those over 60 years of age, in Colombian society. The study explores how IPV manifests during the later stages of life, providing insights specific to this age group. The research used qualitative methodology with 14 urban women who had experienced intimate partner violence in their later life. The study revealed that psychological violence was the most common type of abuse among our sample, followed by economic violence. Conversely, physical and sexual violence was found to decrease in frequency in the day-to-day life of the participants. The research also highlighted deteriorating health, limited emotional and instrumental support, and traditional gender roles as key factors influencing experiences of violence in intimate relationships during this stage of life.

The relationship between psychological abuse, athlete satisfaction, eating disorder and self-harm indicators in elite athletes

The relationship between psychological abuse, athlete satisfaction, eating disorder and self-harm indicators in elite athletes

Longitudinal Relations Between Emotional Abuse and Suicidal Ideation: The Mediating Role of Self-disgust Among Chinese Early Adolescents.

Previous research has consistently demonstrated that emotional abuse is a robust predictor of adolescent suicidal ideation. However, few studies have explored the bidirectional relation between changes in emotional abuse and suicidal ideation at the within-person level, as well as the underlying mediating mechanisms. This longitudinal study examined the reciprocal relations between emotional abuse and suicidal ideation, along with the potential mediating role of self-disgust, by disentangling between- and within-person effects. A total of 4731 students (44.9% girls; Mage = 10.91 years, SD = 0.72) participated in a four-wave longitudinal study with 6-month intervals. Results from random intercept cross-lagged panel modeling indicated significant positive associations between emotional abuse, self-disgust, and suicidal ideation at the between-person level. At the within-person level, findings revealed that emotional abuse directly predicted suicidal ideation, and suicidal ideation also directly predicted emotional abuse. Emotional abuse also indirectly predicted suicidal ideation via self-disgust, while suicidal ideation indirectly predicted emotional abuse through self-disgust. These findings emphasize self-disgust as a central psychological mechanism in the bidirectional relations between emotional abuse and suicidal ideation. Targeted interventions reducing self-disgust and fostering a healthier self-concept could be crucial in breaking this harmful cycle, ultimately protecting adolescents from escalating emotional abuse and suicidal thoughts.

Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Measurement Invariance of the Perception of Partner Psychological Abuse (PPPA) in Nigeria and South Africa

Purpose: Examining the psychometric properties of a research scale is a critical step in ensuring its reliability and validity. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Perception of Partner Psychological Abuse (PPPA) scale, developed to assess individuals' perceptions of psychologically abusive behaviors in intimate relationships, in Nigeria and South Africa. Methods: The study involved participants (N = 823) who were predominantly Black (African) (98.5%), with females (n = 452, 54.9%) and males (n = 371, 45.1%) from Nigeria (n = 291) and South Africa (n = 532). Various confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models were used to assess the scale's factor structure and dimensionality. Measurement invariance procedures were employed to evaluate the equivalence of the factor structure across gender and country. Construct validity, including both convergent and discriminant validity, was also examined. Results: Findings indicated that the PPPA scale is appropriate for measuring perceptions of partner psychological abuse. The scale demonstrated adequate convergent and discriminant validity, and composite reliability showed good internal consistency. The hypothesized four-factor structure aligned well with the data, with observed variables collectively and individually contributing to the overall construct and subconstructs. The factor structure was consistent across genders and countries, confirming the scale's multidimensionality. Differences in the perception of partner psychological abuse were observed between the two countries. Conclusions: This study validates the psychometric properties of the PPPA scale, emphasizing the relevance of power dynamics and economic disparities in shaping perceptions of partner psychological abuse. It reinforces the scale's value as a tool for recognizing and addressing psychological abuse in intimate relationships. Keywords: Psychological Abuse, Partner Violence, Verbal Aggression, Isolation, Control, Neglect, Economic Abuse, Financial Abuse.

Parental stress and mental health among transgender parents

Background Parental stress impacts individual health and the development of the next generation, but there is a lack of comprehensive research on parental stress among transgender parents in China. This study is the first to investigate parental stress and mental health among transgender parents and identify potential influencing factors. Methods We designed a cross-sectional survey that recruited a representative sample of 647 transgender parents. A validated questionnaire was used to investigate parental stress, depression, anxiety, and their associated factors, including parent factors (gender dysphoria, time of coming out, depression, and anxiety) and situational factors (family violence, partner violence, relationship with partner, discrimination and family income). Linear regression models were used to explore the influencing factors of parental stress among transgender parents, a structural equation model (SEM) was established to explore the possible pathways between these factors and parental stress, and network analysis was conducted to determine primary symptoms and central risk factors. Results The average parental stress score was 50.4 ± 8.02. 92.7% of participants exhibited depressive tendencies and 73.7% showed anxiety tendencies. Lower family income (p < 0.001), coming out after having a child (Coefficient (Coef.) = 2.6, 95% confidential interval (CI) = 1.174 ∼ 4.027), family violence (Coef. = 3.582, 95%CI = 2.372 ∼ 4.791), partner violence (Coef. = 4.199, 95%CI = 2.998 ∼ 5.401), being discriminated during seeking of childbearing health care (Coef. = 3.29, 95%CI = 2.054 ∼ 4.526), poor relationship with partner (fair relationship: coef. = −3.205, 95%CI = −4.86∼−1.551; good relationship: coef. = −5.372, 95%CI = −6.886∼−3.858), depression (Coef. = 5.873, 95%CI = 3.557 ∼ 8.189), and anxiety (Coef. = 5.705, 95%CI = 4.368 ∼ 7.042) were significantly associated with higher parental stress. Through the pathway analysis, the direct or indirect effects of parent factors and situational factors on parental stress were observed. Additionally, network analysis revealed that gender dysphoria, family violence, psychological abuse, and various anxiety types as central risk factors, with two gender dysphoria symptoms showing the strongest direct relationship to stress. Conclusions Transgender parents experience significant parental stress influenced by mental health, sociodemographic, transgender-specific, family, and socio-environmental factors. Enhanced family support and a more inclusive social environment are crucial for reducing stress and improving the well-being of transgender parents and their children.

An Analysis on the Impact of Childhood Adversity, Anxiety, and C-Reactive Protein on Adult Chronic Pain in the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) Study.

This study used the Midlife-Development in the United States (MIDUS) dataset to a) examine relationships between reported childhood adversity (CA), anxiety, and pain; b) assess associations between CAs, anxiety, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and pain; and c) explore how CAs, anxiety, and CRP are associated with pain medication consumption. Data were from Project-4 of MIDUS-II (n = 1225), which utilized Project-1 demographics and supplemental chart review. For objectives 1-2, structural equational modeling (SEM) followed by general linear modeling (GLM) regression was conducted. For objective 3, all variables from the objective 1-2 dataset were used as possible independent variables for the exploratory regression. For objectives 1-2, CRP was significantly correlated with anxiety, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and chronic pain (n = 1173). The SEM (n = 1173) indicated that CAs, anxiety, and CRP all played a role in predicting chronic pain. Regression results (n = 1173) indicated that gender, total income, and highest education were significant predictors of chronic pain. Significant interactions to explain chronic pain included physical abuse/emotional neglect, emotional abuse/physical abuse, physical abuse/minimization, physical neglect/education, CRP/income, and CRP/education. For objective 3 (n = 600), there were no significant main effects, but a large variety of interactions contributed to predicting pain medication consumption. CAs interacting significantly to explain this included emotional abuse/physical abuse, physical abuse/emotional neglect, physical abuse/minimization, and sexual abuse/minimization. There were also significant interactions between CRP/income and CRP/education. Based on a large US sample, sociodemographics played a meaningful role in predicting chronic pain in adults, and CRP was significantly correlated with anxiety, emotional abuse, physical neglect, multiple sociodemographic variables, and chronic pain. The influence of CAs on predicting long-term medication use for chronic pain was complex and warrants further study.

The Relationship Between Insufficient Sleep and Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents: A National Survey of Contributing Factors.

There is a lack of national studies examining the relationship between insufficient sleep and depression among Chinese adolescents, and previous research has not comprehensively considered related factors. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms in adolescents with insufficient sleep and explore the role of associated factors using a nationally representative sample in China. A pen-and-paper survey was conducted among 24147 Chinese adolescents from November 2019 to January 2020. Data on depressive symptoms, maltreatment experiences, psychological resilience, demographic information, parent-child relationships, parental marital status, and sleep duration were collected. A total of 22231 valid questionnaires were analyzed. Among the respondents, 67.7% reported insufficient sleep, while 32.3% had sufficient sleep. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 25.3% in adolescents with insufficient sleep, compared to 8.2% in those with sufficient sleep. Insufficient sleep was identified as an independent risk factor for depressive symptoms (OR = 3.058, 95% CI: 2.753-3.396, P < 0.001). In adolescents with sufficient sleep, being female, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and physical neglect were significant risk factors for depressive symptoms (P < 0.05), while higher resilience scores and a good parent-child relationship were protective factors (P < 0.05). Among adolescents with insufficient sleep, additional risk factors included higher body mass index (BMI), older age, parental divorce, and living with a single parent (P < 0.05). Insufficient sleep is significantly associated with depressive symptoms in Chinese adolescents. The adolescents with insufficient sleep, particularly those who are older, have a higher BMI, or come from divorced or single-parent households, require increased attention.

The Impact of Childhood Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse and Neglect on Suicidal Behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Systematic Review of Meta-analyses

The Impact of Childhood Sexual, Physical and Emotional Abuse and Neglect on Suicidal Behavior and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury: A Systematic Review of Meta-analyses

Resting state EEG source derived salience network theta connectivity mediates anxiety in community dwelling individuals reporting childhood trauma.

Childhood trauma (CT) has been consistently linked with etiology of anxiety and depression. Finding biomarkers that mediate the relationship between CT and psychopathology is important and electroencephalography (EEG) can be a useful and cost-effective tool serving this purpose. Hence, in the current research we investigated resting state EEG biomarkers associated with CT and how these may link to psychopathology of anxiety and depression in adults. A total of 324 community recruited participants (age range 15-93 years) completed standard self-report scales of CT, anxiety and depression, and also underwent an eyes-closed resting state EEG recording session. Based on several functional neuroimaging studies, which have shown that connectivity in the salience network with major nodes in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and insula is modulated by CT, we derived salience network connectivity measures from resting state EEG source imaging. Also given that theta band (3-7 Hz) neural oscillations have been shown to have an ACC source, we specifically focused on theta band salience network connectivity. The results showed significant positive correlation between CT and both anxiety and depression. We also found that theta band salience network connectivity, but not network activity, had a significant inverse relationship with CT and specifically mediated the relationship between CT and anxiety, but not depression. Interrogating the subcomponents of CT, theta connectivity in the salience network mediated the relationship between anxiety and both emotional abuse and physical neglect. These results showcase the utility of a resting state EEG source imaging-based biomarker in understanding the mechanistic associations between CT and psychopathology in community dwelling individuals.

Adverse childhood experiences and adult alcohol use during pregnancy - 41U.S. jurisdictions, 2019-2023.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are preventable, potentially traumatic events that occur in childhood. Alcohol use during pregnancy can result in miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, and a range of lifelong behavioral, intellectual, and physical disabilities in the child. Limited research has examined the relationship between ACEs and alcohol use in pregnancy; available studies might not reflect current trends in this relationship. Using 2019-2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data from 41U.S. jurisdictions, the prevalence of self-reported current alcohol use among pregnant persons aged 18-49years (N=2371) was estimated by ACEs and selected characteristics. We calculated unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) for the relationship between ACEs and alcohol use during pregnancy. The prevalence of current alcohol use was 16.2% (95% CI=11.5-20.9) among pregnant persons who reported experiencing four or more ACEs, and 8.6% (95% CI=5.7-11.5) among those who reported no ACEs. When adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, pregnant persons who reported four or more ACEs were more likely to report current alcohol use compared to those who reported no ACEs (aPR=1.8, 95% CI=1.1-2.9). Individually, pregnant persons who experienced emotional abuse (aPR=1.9, 95% CI=1.3-2.7) and witnessed intimate partner violence (aPR=1.6, 95% CI=1.1-2.4) were more likely to use alcohol during pregnancy compared to pregnant persons who did not report experiencing these ACEs. Higher ACE exposure was associated with alcohol use during pregnancy. Steps can be taken to mitigate their potential harms. Clinical and community-level interventions can address ACEs, which might reduce alcohol use during pregnancy.

Sexual identity is associated with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in US early adolescents

ObjectiveTo determine disparities in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) by sexual identity in a national cohort of early adolescents. MethodsWe analyzed cross-sectional data from year 2 of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (N=10,934, 2018-2020, ages 10-14 years). Disparities in ACE score across lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB), not sure, and heterosexual adolescents were assessed using multinomial logistic regression analyses. Logistic regressions estimated the associations between sexual identity and each individual ACE. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders. ResultsIn adjusted models, LGB adolescents had higher risk of experiencing 2, 3, or ≥4 ACEs (Relative Risk Ratios [RRR] =1.57, 95% CI 1.01-2.42), 3 (RR=1.78, 95% CI 1.100-2.88), or ≥4 ACEs (RRR=3.20, 95% CI 1.92-5.32), and not sure adolescents had a higher risk of having ≥4 ACEs (RRR=2.17, 95% CI 1.22-3.87), compared to heterosexual adolescents. LGB and not sure adolescents had higher risks of reporting emotional abuse (“yes” OR =4.21, 95% CI 1.84-9.61; “maybe” OR=6.20, 95% CI 2.91-13.19) and parent mental illness (“yes” OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.48-2.57; “maybe” OR=1.63, 95% CI 1.21-2.18) compared to heterosexual adolescents. ConclusionsLGB adolescents and those questioning their sexual identity were at greater risk of having higher ACE scores, with LGB adolescents experiencing the highest risk of experiencing ACEs. LGB adolescents also had higher odds of reporting emotional and parent mental illness. Recognizing this heightened risk of ACEs in early adolescence is critical for designing clinic and school-based interventions.

Prevalence and associated factors of adolescent psychological abuse, neglect in Western China a multi-center cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: The western region of China has a dense population, relatively underdeveloped economy, and a significant number of left-behind children. Currently, the prevalence of adolescent psychological abuse, neglect, and the factors associated with these issues in the region remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the current status of adolescent psychological abuse and neglect and its associated factors in this region. Methods: Data were collected from 50 schools in western China through cluster sampling to target adolescents aged 12 to 18. A comprehensive survey form was used to collect socio-demographic characteristics of adolescents. The Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale was employed to assess the current psychological abuse and neglect of adolescents. Independent samples t-tests were used for inter-group comparisons. A Directed Acyclic Graph was constructed for controlling confounding variables. Subsequently, binary logistic regression analysis was performed, and a nomogram risk factors model was developed using R Studio. Results: This study included 12,743 teenagers, with an average age of 15.53(±1.39) years. Among them, 4,965 individuals, accounting for 39.0%, reported experiences of psychological abuse, while 4,167 individuals, accounting for 32.7%, reported experiences of neglect. The rates of psychological abuse and neglect in adolescents are influenced by gender, grade, left-behind experience, parental marital status, and living on campus (P < .05). Conclusion: Adolescents in western China exhibit higher rates of psychological abuse and neglect compared to those in the eastern and northern regions of China. Gender, grade, left-behind experience, and family factors significantly influence the psychological abuse and neglect of adolescents.

Healthy lifestyle factors and male perpetration of intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional study in Mwanza, Tanzania

ABSTRACT Background In Tanzania, nearly half of ever-married women have experienced some form of intimate partner violence (IPV), yet little knowledge of IPV from the male perspective exists. Objective To explore the role of essential healthy lifestyle factors, diet, sleep, and exercise, and their potential role in IPV perpetration. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 1,002 young men (ages 18–24), 754 of which were in an intimate relationship in the previous year. The study took place in Mwanza, Tanzania and used multivariable logistic regression models to explore associations between male perpetration of IPV and diet, sleep, and exercise. Results Six types of IPV perpetration were investigated separately and the prevalence of controlling behaviours (79.4%), economic abuse (30.6%), emotional abuse (47.3%), physical violence (16.4%), sexual violence (23.3%), and combined physical and/or sexual violence (32.1%) were obtained. Regular exercise demonstrated a protective effect for economic abuse perpetration; the chance of mildly active individuals perpetrating economic abuse was 38% less than their inactive counterparts (p = 0.003). Associations with sleep were varied and did not show a clear directional relationship. Diet, defined as poor food variety, was positively associated with every IPV type except physical violence and was significant in sexual violence perpetration (aOR:1.57, 95%CI:1.21–2.05). Conclusions The results from this study indicate that considering healthy lifestyle behaviours – diet, sleep, and exercise – in the design of intervention programmes may be beneficial in reducing IPV perpetration in Tanzania, and that they should be considered alongside previously established evidence-based risk factors.

LIFE COURSE APPROACH TO CAREGIVING FOR AGING PARENTS: THE ROLE OF ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES

Abstract The high strain and burden of caring for aging parents have been well-documented. Few but growing studies have found the effects of earlier distal factors, such as childhood maltreatment, on negative mental health for caregivers of aging parents. Taking a life course approach to intergenerational caregiving, this study examined the long-term impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult caregivers of aging parents. Using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), we analyzed a sample of 412 caregivers of aging mothers. We conducted a series of latent class analyses (LCA) for a holistic assessment of the patterns of ACEs among the caregivers. Respondents’ exposure to ACEs available in MIDUS included parental neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, sexual assault (perpetrator not specified), living with a household member with a substance use issue, and parental divorce/separation/death during childhood. Among the caregivers of mothers, we identified a five-latent-class structure: No/low ACEs (60%), Neglect and Household Challenges (12%), Paternal Abuse (5%), Parental Physical Abuse (16%), and Substantial ACEs (7%). The respondent’s education was significantly associated with latent class membership. Caregivers in the Substantial ACEs class showed consistently worse physical and mental health than those in the No/low ACEs class. The current study contributes to raising awareness of adult-child caregivers who experienced childhood trauma, who may deal with accumulated disadvantages from childhood adversities, their potential correlates, and current caregiving. Further investigations will help find ways to reduce ACEs’ impact in order to promote the health of these caregivers and strengthen their well-being.

GENDER DIFFERENCES ON THE EFFECT OF RECIPROCITY ON NEGLECT AND ABUSE BY DEMENTIA CAREGIVERS

Abstract Reciprocity, a balanced exchange in interactions, is a crucial element of most social exchanges and impacts caregiving outcomes. This paper aims to investigate whether reciprocity plays a protective role against elder abuse and neglect and to explore potential gender variations associated with this relationship. A sample of 453 family caregivers reported daily perceptions of reciprocity in a micro-longitudinal study over 21 days. Perceived reciprocity was measured by the participant’s level of satisfaction with the amount of affection/appreciation shown by their relative with dementia in the previous 24 hours. Generalized linear mixed models examined the effect of perceived reciprocity on the odds of the caregiver engaging in psychologically aggressive, physically aggressive, and neglectful behaviors that day. Perceived reciprocity was associated with lowered daily odds of neglect (OR= 0.76 p= 0.006) and psychological abuse (OR = 0.6 p&amp;lt; 0.001). We calculated an interaction term of the effects of gender and perceived reciprocity on abuse/neglect to assess gender differences. Increased reciprocity reduced the odds of neglect for both males and females, but the reduction in odds was greater for males (p=0.041). Results suggest that receiving attention and affection for caregiving may act as a protective factor, particularly for male caregivers. While female caregivers might face socially constructed role expectations, males, often taking on caregiving out of obligation, may benefit from reciprocal interactions regarding reduced likelihood of neglecting the care recipient. These insights contribute to a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics in caregiving and can inform interventions to prevent elder abuse and neglect.