NCJ Number
235053
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2011 Pages: 329-332
Date Published
May 2011
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This study explored whether a history of childhood abuse and neglect was a factor in adult patients with schizophrenia who had a history of violence.
Abstract
Major findings from the study include: 46.4 percent patients with schizophrenia and a history of violence had experienced at least one form of childhood abuse and/or neglect, while 21.4 percent of patients with schizophrenia and a history of violence had experienced two or more forms of childhood abuse and/or neglect. The most common forms of childhood abuse and/or neglect found among schizophrenic patients with a history of violence were physical abuse (39.3 percent) and emotional neglect (17.9 percent). In addition, the study found that 42.8 percent of the patients had at least one close relative who had died during their childhood, and that of these deaths, 41.6 percent were violent. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which a history of childhood abuse and/or neglect was a factor in schizophrenic patients having a history of violence. Data for the study were obtained from 28 patients hospitalized in a high security psychiatric facility. Information was obtained on the types and number of incidences of childhood abuse and/or neglect, a history of substance abuse, a history of incarceration, and death of a close parent. The study findings indicate that almost 50 percent of schizophrenic patients with a history of violence have suffered from at least one form of childhood abuse and/or neglect, and that identifying the type of abuse and/or neglect is important in developing effective treatment programs for these patients. Study limitations are discussed. Table and references