Effects of Multiple Maltreatment Experiences Among Psychiatrically Hospitalized Youth

• NCJ Number: 224129
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 32 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2008 Pages: 637-647
• Author(s): Paul Boxer; Andrew M. Terranova
• Date Published: June 2008
• Length: 11 pages
• Grant Number(s): MH72980
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Based on indicators coded from information routinely collected during intake assessments at a secure inpatient psychiatric facility, this study examined whether various forms of maltreatment accounted for variations in youths’ emotional and behavioral problems.

Abstract

The study findings provide some support for a hierarchical approach to the classification of the experiences of childhood abuse in terms of the severity of the effects on psychopathology of sexual abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and no maltreatment. In the current study, the sexual abuse group (sexual abuse alone or in combination with any other form of maltreatment) was generally rated the highest in terms of measured emotional problems, critical pathology, and total clinical status. Sexual abuse, alone or in combination with other types of maltreatment, was found to have the most severe adverse impact on psychopathology. Neglect also has a significant impact, and multiple maltreatment experiences appear to be more detrimental regardless of the type of abuse, compared with single maltreatment experiences. These findings indicate that clinical assessment of maltreated youth should focus on the type or types of maltreatment experienced as well as the frequency and duration of the maltreatment. Study participants were drawn from the database of a larger project that is examining the characteristics, management, and outcomes of youth receiving inpatient treatment. Analyses are based on a sample of 401 youths (mean age at admission of 13.9 years old) who were admitted consecutively to a secure, publicly funded inpatient psychiatric hospital in the Midwest. The study obtained data from existing clinical records derived from intake assessment reports and standardized psychopathology rating scales completed by the parent or caseworker. Indicators of psychopathology were obtained from the Devereaux Scales of Mental Disorders and from the intake psychiatric interview. 5 tables and 48 references