NCJ Number
218858
Journal
Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 7 Issue: 1 Dated: 2007 Pages: 37-50
Date Published
2007
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study analyzed the relationship between a history of child abuse, neglect, and codependency among undergraduate nursing students.
Abstract
Results indicated a moderately positive relationship between child physical abuse, emotional neglect, emotional abuse, and codependency. A weak positive relationship was also found between physical child neglect and codependency. The findings indicate that it is likely that many patients presenting for therapeutic care displaying codependent behaviors and attitudes also have histories of childhood abuse and neglect, which is important in understanding their behavior and providing appropriate care. Participants were 102 upper-division nursing students, 94 of whom were female, who were recruited from a medium-sized regional university. Future research in this area should attempt to use a larger and more diverse sample and should include other psychological factors that might impact the relationship between child maltreatment and codependency. Participants completed a four-part questionnaire assessing childhood trauma and maltreatment, history of psychological abuse and neglect, depression, beliefs about self and others, and codependency. Codependency was measured through other focus/self-neglect, low self-worth, hiding self, medical problems, and family of origin issues. Pearson Product-Moment Correlations were used to analyze the data. Tables, references