NCJ Number
227576
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma Volume: 18 Issue: 4 Dated: June 2009 Pages: 350-366
Date Published
June 2009
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study examined the psychological and physical health correlates of abuse perceptions in a longitudinal sample of young adults.
Abstract
The results demonstrated that young adults' appraisals of their experiences as "abuse" or "maltreatment" were related to abuse severity and were likely to change over time for a minority of individuals. Self-labeling as abused or maltreated was not related to psychological symptoms at Time 1, but was related to symptoms of anxiety, depression, and dissociation at Time 2. Although childhood abuse is strongly associated with psychological difficulties, survivors may not perceive their experiences as abusive. Depression, anxiety, dissociation, and physical health complaints may decrease perceptions of abuse and may also be exacerbated by individuals' abuse perceptions. The study suggests that among young adults, perceptions having been abused or maltreated may predict psychological distress beyond the abuse itself. Few studies have examined how perceptions of abuse may relate to survivors' mental and physical health, or how such assessments change over time. In addition, few studies have considered the psychological or physical health correlates of abuse perceptions. To address these gaps, this study examined abuse perceptions, abuse experiences, and current symptoms among 185 university students. Ninety-six participants repeated the study 1-2 years later. Tables and references