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Developmental Impacts of Child Abuse and Neglect Related to Adult Mental Health, Substance Use, and Physical Health

NCJ Number
245437
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 28 Issue: 2 Dated: February 2013 Pages: 191-199
Author(s)
Todd I. Herrenkohl; Seunghye Hong; J. B. Klika; Roy C. Herrenkohl; M. J. Russo
Date Published
February 2013
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined the association between officially recorded child abuse and neglect and adult mental health, substance use, and physical health outcomes.
Abstract
Data are from a longitudinal study of more than 30 years in which individuals were interviewed most recently in their mid30s. Analyses consisted of group comparisons using chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent samples t-tests for continuous measures. Logistic and linear regressions controlled for gender and childhood SES, adult age, marital status, and education. Adults maltreated in childhood reported more symptoms of adult depression, anxiety, and more impairment due to mental and physical health problems. A higher percentage of those with maltreatment histories reported lifetime alcohol problems and appear at greater risk for substance abuse. Most findings of these bivariate analyses remained significant after accounting for gender and childhood socioeconomic status. Somewhat fewer significant results were observed after controlling for adult age, marital status, and education. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.