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Moore SM, Welsh MC, Peterson E. Childhood maltreatment predicts physical health in college students. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:942-951. [PMID: 34152945 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1909047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with physical health problems throughout the lifespan, yet more research is needed regarding the trajectory of health problems (e.g., onset of health risk indicators) in young adults. The current study examined whether college students self-reporting higher levels of CM exhibited poorer physical health outcomes. Method: Young adults in college (N = 100) completed a physical health assessment (heart rate, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood sugar, waist circumference), self-reported measures of health (symptoms of illness), and CM during spring semester 2018. Results: CM scores predicted higher heart rate and increased symptoms of illness. Females with maltreatment history presented higher levels of obesity and more metabolic syndrome conditions than their peers. Conclusions: Findings support the importance of examining the trajectory of CM to chronic disease, as health risk indicators are present in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah M Moore
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, USA
| | - Marilyn C Welsh
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, USA
| | - Eric Peterson
- School of Psychological Sciences, University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado, USA
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2
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Fitzgerald M, Notice M. Childhood embedded: childhood abuse and chronic physical health conditions over a 10-year period. J Public Health (Oxf) 2022:6611062. [PMID: 35731134 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdac063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood abuse is linked to experiencing multiple chronic health problems in midlife adults. Research has seldom examined whether childhood abuse is associated with a greater number of chronic physical health issues over time. The current study was to examine the contributions of childhood abuse on the development of chronic health conditions over a 10-year period. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data were taken from the study of Midlife Development in the United States. Using three waves of data, 661 married adults were included in the analysis. RESULTS Using hierarchical regression, we found that childhood abuse was uniquely associated with the development of a greater number of chronic physical health conditions over a 10-year period. Post-hoc analysis found that neither gender nor age moderated the associations. CONCLUSIONS Findings of the study indicate that childhood abuse was uniquely associated with a greater number of chronic physical health conditions over a 10-year period. These findings suggest that abuse in childhood may speed up biological aging and erode adult's health over time leaving adults vulnerable to chronic health conditions. Prevention efforts should assess adults for childhood abuse and the impact of childhood abuse on adult health over time may be preventable or more manageable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fitzgerald
- School of Child and Family Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi, 118 College Drive Box #5035, Hattiesburg MS 39406, USA
| | - Maxine Notice
- School of Human Services, University of Central Missouri, 108 W South St., Warrensburg, MO 64093, USA
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Roth EG, Chard S. Affective Practices of Diabetes Self-Management Among Older Adults: Cumulative Effects of Childhood Adversity. THE GERONTOLOGIST 2022; 62:568-576. [PMID: 34406388 PMCID: PMC9019651 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES A strong correlation exists between Type 2 diabetes mellitus and adverse childhood experiences. How adverse childhood experiences inform later-life diabetes management is less understood. This article examines diabetes management from the perspective of affective practice to explore the lingering impact of trauma biographies in diabetes management. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This secondary narrative analysis of 15 in-depth interviews with community-dwelling older adults with diabetes (subsample of the Subjective Experiences of Diabetes Study) focuses on the ways their reported childhood adversity affects perceptions of and responses to diabetes self-management. RESULTS The experiences of adversity in childhood accumulate, throughout the life course, in the affective practices informing diabetes self-management, from blood glucose testing, to food consumption, to the emotions invested in body size. We identify 3 thematic areas that emerged across participants: (a) undermining self-worth, (b) (over)eating and food as comfort, and (c) weight and body size. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS Our findings highlight affective practices as a mechanism through which adverse events accumulate and shape well-being over the life course. This analysis also suggests the potential for (de)accumulation of affective practices to improve diabetes management. The findings support recent calls for trauma-informed clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G Roth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Health Services Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sarah Chard
- Center for Aging Studies, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Public Health, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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4
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Osborne MC, Self-Brown S, Lai BS. Child maltreatment, suicidal ideation, and in-home firearm availability in the U.S.: findings from the longitudinal studies of child abuse and neglect. Int J Inj Contr Saf Promot 2021; 29:56-65. [PMID: 34711135 DOI: 10.1080/17457300.2021.1996397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the U.S., and risk factors include child maltreatment (CM), especially physical and emotional abuse, and in-home firearm availability ('availability'). However, research examining availability among adolescent populations at-risk for CM is limited. This study examines availability in this population, the association between CM and availability, and availability among adolescents experiencing suicidal ideation. A multivariable modified Poisson regression model assessed the relationship between CM by age 12 and availability at age 14 using data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (n = 1,354 families). Approximately 11.61% of adolescents reported availability, and physical abuse increased the risk of availability (aRR = 1.94; 95% CI [1.22, 3.08]). Over one-quarter (27.50%) of adolescents with suicidal ideation at age 16 reported availability. Child welfare-involved families are often referred to interventions. Future research and prevention efforts should explore augmentation of these programmes with firearm safe storage guidance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa C Osborne
- Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Betty S Lai
- Counseling, Developmental and Educational Psychology, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Boston, MA, USA
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5
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Applebaum JW, MacLean EL, McDonald SE. Love, fear, and the human-animal bond: On adversity and multispecies relationships. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 7. [PMID: 34485952 PMCID: PMC8415490 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Love and strong social bonds are known buffers in the experience of adversity. Humans often form strong bonds with non-human animals. The human-animal bond refers to a mutually beneficial and dynamic relationship between humans and non-human animals. Previous research suggests that strong bonds with pets may promote resilience in the experience of adversity, but a strong bond with a pet can also complicate this very experience of adversity, particularly among low-resourced and disadvantaged populations. What is the role of the human-animal bond in adversity, and what is the role of adversity in the bond between a human and a non-human animal? In this article we outline the state of research on the role of various types and sources of adversities in multispecies households (i.e., families, relationships) to consider this overarching question. We focus specifically on intimate partner violence, housing discrimination, LGBTQ+ identity-based discrimination, racism, neighborhood disadvantage, and economic inequality. We then outline an agenda for future research about love, adversity, and multispecies relationships, and discuss implications for public policy and community-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer W Applebaum
- University of Florida, Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Evan L MacLean
- University of Arizona, School of Anthropology & College of Veterinary Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Shelby E McDonald
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, Richmond, VA, USA
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6
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Jung JH. Do positive reappraisals moderate the association between childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health? J Ment Health 2021; 30:341-348. [PMID: 33502922 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2021.1875411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is well-established that childhood emotional abuse is associated with poor mental health in adulthood. Yet, less is known about the ways that this association is contingent upon psychological resources. AIMS The purpose of this study is to examine whether positive reappraisals moderate the association between childhood emotional abuse and adult mental health. METHODS This study employs regression analyses using nationally representative, cross-sectional data from the 1995-1996 National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (N = 3,034). RESULTS The analysis shows that childhood emotional abuse is positively associated with negative affect whereas it is negatively associated with positive affect in adulthood. Yet, positive reappraisals reduce the positive association between childhood emotional abuse and negative affect. Similarly, positive reappraisals weaken the negative association between childhood emotional abuse and positive affect. CONCLUSIONS These observations indicate that positive reappraisals act as a countervailing mechanism that buffers the deleterious association of childhood emotional abuse with adult mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Hyun Jung
- School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
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7
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Kong J, Martire LM, Tate AM, Bray BC, Almeida DM. Different Types of Childhood Experience with Mothers and Caregiving Outcomes in Adulthood. FAMILY RELATIONS 2020; 70:1090-1101. [PMID: 34650318 PMCID: PMC8514082 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND BACKGROUND The current study examines the types of childhood experiences with mothers (i.e., maternal abuse, affection, discipline) among caregivers of aging mothers, and investigates whether membership in specific latent classes, particularly maternal maltreatment, is associated with psychological functioning among caregivers. METHOD Using data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS), we used the Bolck, Croon, and Hagenaars (BCH) approach of latent class analysis (LCA) to predict distal outcomes. RESULTS We identified four latent classes (prevalence rate noted): "Affectionate and authoritative" (65%), "affectionate and permissive" (11%), "emotionally abusive and neglectful" (8%), and "emotionally/physically abusive and authoritative" (16%). Caregivers in the "emotionally/physically abusive and authoritative" class endorsed high probabilities of both maternal affection and abuse and were most negatively affected across the three psychological functioning outcomes (i.e., self-rated mental health, psychological distress, and psychological well-being). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS In support of the life course perspective, our findings emphasized the importance of examining adult children caregivers' early life experiences with aging mothers and how those experiences can impact the psychological effects of caregiving. This study suggests specific practice implications; for example, assessment tools for evaluating caregiver burden should consider life course factors such as caregivers' childhood experiences with aging parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Kong
- School of Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1350 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Lynn M Martire
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Ashley M Tate
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
| | - Bethany C Bray
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60607
| | - David M Almeida
- Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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Struckmeyer KM, Caldwell JA, Bishop AJ, Scheuerman PN. Examining the Influence of Early-Life and Recent Traumatic Events on Loneliness in Centenarians. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2020; 93:963-985. [PMID: 32970456 DOI: 10.1177/0091415020959768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Early-life traumatic experiences have lasting implications for late-life socio-emotional development, contributing to a greater prevalence of poor mental health in very old age. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of early-life and recent traumatic life experiences on loneliness among centenarians. A total of 154 centenarians participated in a semistructured interview. The time of traumatic occurrence and type of trauma experienced influence loneliness in centenarians. Experiencing a natural disaster 70 or more years ago significantly predicted loneliness. Terror management theory proposes that coming to terms with one's mortality represents an underlying source of anxiety that can influence human behavior to create both immediate and future defenses. Evidence from this study can be used to improve how aging service practitioners integrate reminiscence or life-review therapy or counseling within clinical or educational settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristopher M Struckmeyer
- 7618 Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Jillian A Caldwell
- 7618 Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - Alex J Bishop
- 7618 Department of Human Development and Family Science, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
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9
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Lin IF, Wu HS. Early-Life Parent-Child Relationships and Adult Children's Support of Unpartnered Parents in Later Life. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2020; 74:869-880. [PMID: 29432600 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The proportion of older adults who are unpartnered has increased significantly over the past 25 years. Unpartnered older adults often rely on their adult children for support. Most previous studies have focused on proximal factors associated with adult children's support of their parents, while few have examined distal factors, such as parent-child relationships formed during childhood. This study fills the gap by investigating the direct and indirect associations between early-life parent-child relationships and adult children's upward transfers to unpartnered parents. METHOD Data came from two supplements to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, in which respondents were asked about their relationships with mothers and fathers before age 17 and their transfers of time and money to parents in 2013. Path models were estimated for unpartnered mother-adult child dyads and father-adult child dyads separately. RESULTS For adult children of unpartnered mothers, psychological closeness has a direct, positive association with time transfer, while physical violence has an indirect association with time transfer through adult children's marital status. For adult children of unpartnered fathers, psychological closeness has neither a direct nor an indirect association with time or money transfer, but physical violence has a direct, negative association with time transfer. DISCUSSION Early-life parent-child relationships play a pivotal role in influencing adult children's caregiving behavior, both directly and indirectly. Our findings suggest that by improving their relationships with children early in life, parents may be able to increase the amount of time transfer that they receive in late life.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Fen Lin
- Department of Sociology, National Center for Family & Marriage Research, Bowling Green State University, Ohio
| | - Hsueh-Sheng Wu
- Center for Family and Demographic Research, National Center for Family & Marriage Research, Bowling Green State University, Ohio
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10
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Ebbert AM, Infurna FJ, Luthar SS, Lemery-Chalfant K, Corbin WR. Examining the link between emotional childhood abuse and social relationships in midlife: The moderating role of the oxytocin receptor gene. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 98:104151. [PMID: 31521905 PMCID: PMC7389869 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs53576, of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) has been associated with fundamental aspects of social processes and behaviors. Compared to A carriers, GG individuals have enhanced social competencies and tend to elicit more positive responses from social partners. However, the G allele of the OXTR rs53576 has also been associated with greater social sensitivity. OBJECTIVE The current study examined the unique influence of emotional childhood abuse on positive and negative aspects of different types of social relationships (e.g., family, spouse/partner, and friends) in midlife and whether genetic variations of OXTR rs53576 moderated these associations. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A total of 614 participants in midlife (aged 40-65), recruited for a large-scale study of Phoenix metropolitan residents (AS U Live Project), answered self-report questionnaires and provided blood samples for DNA genotyping. METHODS Hierarchical multiple regression analyses tested whether emotional childhood abuse predicted social support and strain for each relationship type and whether these potential linkages differed by OXTR genotype (GG versus AA/AG). RESULTS Overall, individuals with a history of emotional childhood abuse had less supportive and more strained relationships in midlife. For supportive family relationships, the effect of emotional childhood abuse was moderated by OXTR rs53576 (p < .001). Under conditions of experiencing more emotional abuse in childhood, GG individuals had more supportive family relationships in midlife compared to A carriers. CONCLUSIONS Overall, genetic variations of OXTR rs53576 may be an important candidate in understanding the development of social functioning within the context of emotional childhood abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Ebbert
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA.
| | - Frank J Infurna
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA
| | - Suniya S Luthar
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA
| | | | - William R Corbin
- Arizona State University, Department of Psychology, Tempe, AZ 85287-1104, USA
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11
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Kong J, Moorman SM, Martire LM, Almeida DM. The Role of Current Family Relationships in Associations Between Childhood Abuse and Adult Psychological Functioning. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2019; 74:858-868. [PMID: 29924362 PMCID: PMC6566329 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gby076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Childhood abuse has long-term negative effects on adult psychological well-being. This study examined whether and how adults with a history of childhood abuse may experience poor psychological functioning partly due to aspects of current family relationships. METHOD We estimated multilevel mediation models using 3 waves of longitudinal data from 3,487 participants in the study of Midlife Development in the United States. Outcomes measured included negative affect, life satisfaction, and psychological well-being. We included aspects of family relationships as mediators: perceived support, perceived strain, frequency of contact, and hours of providing instrumental and emotional support. RESULTS Multilevel mediation models showed that childhood verbal and physical abuse negatively affected diverse aspects of family relationships in later adulthood (i.e., less perceived support, more perceived strain, less frequent contact, and fewer hours of providing instrumental support). We also found that less perceived support and more family strain significantly mediated the associations between childhood abuse and all 3 psychological functioning outcomes. DISCUSSION Childhood abuse appears to hinder perceived availability of family support in adulthood, which may undermine the psychological functioning of adults with a history of childhood abuse. To improve their psychological health, interventions should focus on facilitating supportive and functional family relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jooyoung Kong
- Center for Healthy Aging, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - Sara M Moorman
- Department of Sociology, Institute on Aging, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
| | - Lynn M Martire
- Center for Healthy Aging, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
- Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
| | - David M Almeida
- Center for Healthy Aging, College of Health and Human Development, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
- Human Development and Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, University Park
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12
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Karatekin C, Almy B, Mason SM, Borowsky I, Barnes A. Mental and Physical Health Profiles of Maltreated Youth. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 84:23-33. [PMID: 30036690 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To examine both mental and physical health profiles of children diagnosed as maltreated in the community, we studied diagnoses in the electronic health records (EHRs) of youth assigned maltreatment-related diagnoses (N = 406) and well-matched youth without a maltreatment-related diagnosis (N = 406) during a four-year period in a large healthcare system that covers eight hospitals and over 40 clinics. Data extracted automatically from the EHRs was supplemented by manual chart review. The odds of the maltreated group being assigned a code for mental illness was 2.69 times higher than the odds for the comparison group, with large differences in mood and anxiety disorders and suicidality. The odds of having an injury or poisoning diagnosis were 3.45 times higher in maltreated than in comparison youth. Maltreated youth were also less likely to have been immunized. Nevertheless, contrary to our hypothesis, maltreated youth had significantly lower rates of diagnoses across almost all major physical disease categories assessed and did not differ from comparison youth in terms of body mass index (BMI). Furthermore, maltreated youth were assigned fewer diagnoses than comparison youth whether they came in for at least one preventive visit or not. Findings suggest a need for health care professionals to be prepared to address the high rates of mental disorders in maltreated youth, to be more vigilant about possible physical disorders in this population, and to take greater advantage of opportunities to immunize these youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canan Karatekin
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, United States.
| | - Brandon Almy
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, United States
| | | | - Iris Borowsky
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, United States
| | - Andrew Barnes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, United States
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English LH, Wisener M, Bailey HN. Childhood emotional maltreatment, anxiety, attachment, and mindfulness: Associations with facial emotion recognition. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2018; 80:146-160. [PMID: 29605464 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The current study investigated factors thought to contribute to facial emotion processing. Female university students (N = 126) completed self-report measures of childhood emotional maltreatment, anxiety symptoms, attachment anxiety and avoidance, and trait mindfulness before completing a facial emotion recognition task, where they viewed sequences of faces that incorporated progressively more emotional content until they were able to correctly identify the emotion. They completed the task under low and high cognitive load conditions to distinguish between relatively effortful versus automatic processing abilities. Regression analyses revealed that under low cognitive load, attachment avoidance and mindfulness predicted quicker identification of fear (i.e., with less perceptual information), whereas anxiety predicted slower identification of fear (i.e., with more perceptual information). In the high cognitive load condition, emotional maltreatment and mindfulness predicted quicker identification of fear, and anxiety and mindfulness predicted faster identification of emotions overall. Although current findings are correlational, most of these effects were specific to fearful faces, suggesting that experiences of childhood emotional maltreatment and associated socio-emotional sequelae are related to heightened processing of threat-related information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lianne H English
- University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
| | - Melanie Wisener
- McGill University, 845 Rue Sherbrooke O, Montréal, QC H3A 0G4, Canada.
| | - Heidi N Bailey
- University of Guelph, 50 Stone Rd E, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Are Schemas Passed on? A Study on the Association Between Early Maladaptive Schemas in Parents and Their Offspring and the Putative Translating Mechanisms. Behav Cogn Psychother 2018; 46:738-753. [DOI: 10.1017/s1352465818000073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Background: According to Young's schema theory, Early Maladaptive Schemas (EMSs) arise due to the violation of core emotional needs during childhood. It seems likely that parents have difficulties in satisfying their children's emotional needs if they have high levels of EMSs themselves. Aims: This study investigated whether the extent of EMSs in parents is associated with the extent of EMSs in their offspring. Moreover, we tested for two putative mechanisms that account for this association: parental coping styles and parenting behaviour. Methods: Sixty dyads of parents (mother or father) and their adult children (N = 120), recruited from the general population, completed the Young Schema Questionnaire. The parents rated their schema coping styles and the children retrospectively rated the parenting of the participating parent. Results: As expected, parents' EMSs were significantly associated with EMSs in their offspring. This association was accounted for by the parental coping style Overcompensation and the adverse parenting that the child remembered. The parental coping style Avoidance did not account for the association. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence for the notion that EMSs are passed on from one generation to the next via parental coping and parenting. Our findings thus support the assumption of schema theory that EMSs are connected to the family environment in terms of adverse parenting. If further confirmed, this has relevant implications for family-based interventions.
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15
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Turiano NA, Silva NM, McDonald C, Hill PL. Retrospective Reports of Childhood Misfortune Are Associated With Positive and Negative Affect in Adulthood. Int J Aging Hum Dev 2017; 84:91415016688480. [PMID: 28058960 DOI: 10.1177/0091415016688480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood misfortune refers to nonnormative experiences individuals encounter at younger ages that affect development across the life span. This study examined whether retrospectively reported childhood misfortune was associated with negative and positive affect in adulthood. In addition, we explored whether perceived control beliefs would moderate these associations. We used archival data from 6,067 adults ( Mage = 46.86; range = 20-75) from the Midlife Development in the United States study. Higher levels of misfortune were associated with higher levels of negative affect and lower levels of positive affect in adulthood. However, control beliefs moderated this association such that the combination of higher perceived control and misfortune resulted in less of a decrease in positive affect and less of an increase in negative affect. Overall, early life events were associated with later life emotional health, and control beliefs were an important psychological resource that buffered the negative effects of childhood misfortune.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Turiano
- 1 Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Nicole M Silva
- 1 Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Courtney McDonald
- 1 Department of Psychology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Patrick L Hill
- 2 Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
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16
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Hagan MJ, Bush N, Mendes WB, Arenander J, Epel E, Puterman E. Associations between childhood adversity and daily suppression and avoidance in response to stress in adulthood: can neurobiological sensitivity help explain this relationship? ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2016; 30:163-175. [PMID: 27834487 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2016.1259473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Although it has been postulated that psychological responses to stress in adulthood are grounded in childhood experiences in the family environment, evidence has been inconsistent. This study tested whether two putative measures of neurobiological sensitivity (vagal flexibility and attentional capacity) moderated the relation between women's reported exposure to a risky childhood environment and current engagement in suppressive or avoidant coping in response to daily stress. DESIGN AND METHODS Adult women (N = 158) recruited for a study of stress, coping, and aging reported on early adversity (EA) in their childhood family environment and completed a week-long daily diary in which they described their most stressful event of the day and indicated the degree to which they used suppression or avoidance in response to that event. In addition, women completed a visual tracking task during which heart rate variability and attentional capacity were assessed. RESULTS Multilevel mixed modeling analyses revealed that greater EA predicted greater suppression and avoidance only among women with higher attentional capacity. Similarly, greater EA predicted greater use of suppression, but only among women with greater vagal flexibility. CONCLUSION Childhood adversity may predispose individuals with high neurobiological sensitivity to a lifetime of maladaptive coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Hagan
- a Department of Psychology , San Francisco State University , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Nicole Bush
- b Department of Psychiatry , University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Wendy Berry Mendes
- b Department of Psychiatry , University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Justine Arenander
- b Department of Psychiatry , University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Elissa Epel
- b Department of Psychiatry , University of California , San Francisco , CA , USA
| | - Eli Puterman
- c School of Kinesiology , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
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Harsh parenting, physical health, and the protective role of positive parent-adolescent relationships. Soc Sci Med 2016; 157:18-26. [PMID: 27060538 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 03/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Harsh, abusive and rejecting behavior by parents toward their adolescents is associated with increased risk of many developmental problems for youth. OBJECTIVE In the present study we address behaviors of co-parents that might help disrupt the hypothesized health risk of harsh parenting. METHOD Data come from a community study of 451 early adolescents followed into adulthood. During early adolescence, observers rated both parents separately on harshness towards the adolescent. Adolescents reported on their physical health at multiple assessments from age 12 through age 20, and on parental warmth. RESULTS Harsh parenting predicted declines in adolescent self-reported physical health and increases in adolescent body mass index (BMI). Although the health risk associated with harshness from one parent was buffered by warmth from the other parent, warmth from the second parent augmented the association between harshness from the first parent and change over time in adolescent BMI. CONCLUSION As appropriate, preventive interventions should include a focus on spousal or partner behaviors in their educational or treatment programs. Additional research is needed on the association between self-reported physical health and BMI in adolescence.
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Pruchno R, Heid AR, Genderson MW. Resilience and Successful Aging: Aligning Complementary Constructs Using a Life Course Approach. PSYCHOLOGICAL INQUIRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/1047840x.2015.1010422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Infurna FJ, Rivers CT, Reich J, Zautra AJ. Childhood trauma and personal mastery: their influence on emotional reactivity to everyday events in a community sample of middle-aged adults. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121840. [PMID: 25849572 PMCID: PMC4388499 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood trauma is associated with premature declines in health in midlife and old age. Pathways that have been implicated, but less studied include social-emotional regulation, biological programming, and habitual patterns of thought and action. In this study we focused on childhood trauma’s influence via alterations in social-emotional regulation to everyday life events, a pathway that has been linked to subsequent health effects. Data from a 30-day daily diary of community residents who participated in a study of resilience in Midlife (n = 191, Mage = 54, SD = 7.50, 54% women) was used to examine whether self-reports of childhood trauma were associated with daily well-being, as well as reported and emotional reactivity to daily negative and positive events. Childhood trauma reports were associated with reporting lower overall levels of and greater variability in daily well-being. Childhood trauma was linked to greater reports of daily negative events, but not to positive events. Focusing on emotional reactivity to daily events, residents who reported higher levels of childhood trauma showed stronger decreases in well-being when experiencing negative events and also stronger increases in well-being with positive events. For those reporting childhood trauma, higher levels of mastery were associated with stronger decreases in well-being with negative events and stronger increases in well-being with positive events, suggesting that mastery increases sensitivity to daily negative and positive events. Our results suggest that childhood trauma may lead to poorer health in midlife through disturbances in the patterns of everyday life events and responses to those events. Further, our findings indicate that mastery may have a different meaning for those who experienced childhood trauma. We discuss social-emotional regulation as one pathway linking childhood trauma to health, and psychosocial resources to consider when building resilience-promoting interventions for mitigating the detrimental health effects of childhood trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank J. Infurna
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Crystal T. Rivers
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - John Reich
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Alex J. Zautra
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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