NCJ Number
147203
Journal
Psychological Bulletin Volume: 114 Issue: 1 Dated: (1993) Pages: 68-79
Date Published
1993
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article reviews the literature on the long-term consequences of childhood physical abuse.
Abstract
The empirical research examined seven categories of long-term consequences possibly related to childhood physical abuse. They are aggressive and violent behavior, nonviolent criminal behavior, substance abuse, self- injurious and suicidal behavior, emotional problems, interpersonal problems, and academic and vocational difficulties. The studies reviewed involved primarily adult populations, although pertinent findings from literature on children and adolescents are summarized. Some variables that affect the relation between physical abuse and long-term consequences are examined. These moderator variables include maltreatment characteristics, individual factors, family factors, and environmental factors. Research that used different methodologies showed a strong relationship between childhood physical abuse and subsequent nonfamilial and familial violence. Although physically abused persons may not differ from nonabused comparison groups on alcoholism rates, groups of substance abusers report higher rates of physical abuse than does the general population. Physical abuse has been associated with self-injurious and suicidal behaviors, as well as emotional problems such as somatization, anxiety, depression, dissociation, and psychosis in adult, female, inpatient, and community samples. Little research has been conducted on the presence of interpersonal problems and academic and vocational difficulties in physically abused populations. The authors suggest additional research on long-term consequences of physical abuse and variables that may affect these outcomes. 78 references