Citation

Witt A, Münzer A, Ganser HG, Goldbeck L, Fegert JM, Plener PL. Child Abuse Negl. 2019; 90: 32-42.

Affiliation

University of Ulm, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, Germany.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.013

PMID

30716653

Abstract

Person-centered approaches are considered promising methods for a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of maltreatment. So far, only few studies have employed such approaches in the study of maltreatment. The aim of the present study was to examine the impact of maltreatment-related variables on trajectories after maltreatment. Growth mixture modelling (GMM) was used to examine different trajectories of functioning in 206 children and adolescents (M = 9.8 years) with a history of child maltreatment. Trajectories were analyzed in regards to maltreatment characteristics and revictimization using multinomial logistic regression. The participants were followed up over a 12 months period including three assessments. Four trajectories were identified: resilient (22.9%), worsening (15.1%), recovering (32.2%), chronic (29.8%). Revictimization (OR: 2.6-5.5), a longer period between first and last reported incident of maltreatment (OR: 0.033 - 0.038) and consequently the age at first (OR: 0.039 - 0.054) and age at last reported incident (OR: 20.3-26.9) were significant predictors of a worsening functioning trajectory. Having experienced neglect predicted a worsening trajectory in contrast to a chronic and resilient trajectory (OR = 4.8-5.2).

FINDINGS suggest that a clinical follow-up of children with a history of maltreatment is crucial as this population represents a high risk sample. A worsening trajectory was closely associated with revictimization. Functioning trajectories seem to be directly linked to chronicity and timing of maltreatment. Implications are discussed.

Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Child maltreatment; Growth mixture modelling; Resilience; Revictimization; Trajectories