Identifying Pathways Linking Child Abuse to Psychological Outcome: The Mediating Role of Perceived Parental Failure of Empathy

• NCJ Number: 217375
• Journal: Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 6 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 91-114
• Author(s): Avigail Moor; Louise Silvern
• Date Published: 2006
• Length: 24 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study sought to identify possible pathways that linked child abuse to adult psychological symptoms by examining the mediating role of perceived parental failure to display empathy toward the child.

Abstract

The study found that both sexual and physical abuse in childhood were linked to adult psychological impairment in all areas measured. These areas included depressive tendencies, posttraumatic symptoms, and self-esteem. The findings also linked survivors' perceived lack of parental empathy with many aspects of adult mental health, as well as an increased risk for adverse psychological symptoms. These findings indicate that it is the inability of parents to experience the child as separate from their own preoccupations, coupled with their incapacity to be sensitive to and respond to the child's emotional needs that underlie child sexual and physical abuse. The finding that perceived deficient parental empathy rather than physical abuse was more important in the development of adult psychological impairment might indicate that it is the lack of empathy that underlies physical abuse, more than the physical abuse itself, which increases the risk of adult psychological impairments. A random sample of 331 female college students had an overrepresentation of those who experienced childhood physical and sexual abuse compared with the student population. The women were assessed on variables related to history of childhood abuse; perceived parental failure of empathy; and adult adjustment in terms of current depressive tendencies, current self-esteem, and posttraumatic symptoms. A scale developed specifically for this study assessed perceived parental failure of empathy. The scale measures numerous aspects of parental empathy, including parental capacity for empathic attunement and responsiveness, accurate mirroring, and validation of the child. It also assesses parental tolerance for negative emotions directed toward them by the child, as well as the extent of parental self-serving exploitation of the child. 2 tables, 57 references, and appended Parental Empathic Attunement and Responsiveness Scale