NCJ Number
245462
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2013 Pages: 427-434
Date Published
July 2013
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This work explored whether the accumulation of different subtypes of psychological maltreatment (PM) has a greater impact on the child's psychopathology and functional impairment.
Abstract
Psychological maltreatment (PM) is an extremely heterogeneous phenomenon that includes several subtypes. The aim of this work was to explore whether the accumulation of different subtypes of PM has a greater impact on the child's psychopathology and functional impairment. One hundred and sixty-eight children and adolescents aged between 4 and 17 whose mothers had been exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) participated. Psychopathology was assessed through a rating scale and a diagnostic interview. Polynomial contrasts by means of Generalized Estimated Equations explored linear and quadratic trends. The greater the number of PM subtypes suffered by children, the greater the adverse effects in psychopathology and functioning. When a child suffers four PM subtypes, the number of DSM disorders is, on average, twice as high compared with children who are suffering only one PM subtype. Linear trends were mainly found in internalizing problems. The importance of accurately assessing characteristics and severity of PM, and design efficient programs of prevention and treatment, is highlighted. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.