Psychosocial Characterization of Physically Abused Children from Low Socioeconomic Households in Comparison to Neglected and Nonmaltreated Children

Research reports on the long-term sequelae of physically abused children have not produced a coherent profile that can be used to identify this population as a distinct diagnostic group. To define the specific combination of symptomatology and personality characteristics of this group, 41 physically...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of child and family studies 2002-12, Vol.11 (4), p.441-453
Main Authors: Finzi, Ricky, Har-Even, Dov, Shnit, Dan, Weizman, Abraham
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abused children
Child Abuse
Child abuse & neglect
Child Neglect
Child psychology
Children
Comparative analysis
Data Analysis
Family studies
Israel
Neglected children
Personality
Psychosocial adjustment
Socioeconomic status
Violence
Young Children
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Summary:Research reports on the long-term sequelae of physically abused children have not produced a coherent profile that can be used to identify this population as a distinct diagnostic group. To define the specific combination of symptomatology and personality characteristics of this group, 41 physically abused children, referred by the state Child Protection Officers were interviewed using the Attachment Style Classification Questionnaire, the Children's Depression Inventory, the Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Child Suicidal Potential Scales. The results were compared with those of 38 neglected children and 35 nonabused, nonneglected children. The physically abused children showed an avoidant attachment style, specific depressive and suicidal symptomatology, high anxiety level, high aggression level, and primitive defense mechanisms. A discriminant data analysis identified 92.8% of the participants in terms of their diagnostic status. Our study suggests that an emotional and behavioral cluster of characteristics may differentiate physically abused children from neglected and nonmaltreated children. This cluster highlights the severity of induced developmental damages in the short and long-term.
ISSN:1062-1024
1573-2843
DOI:10.1023/A:1020983308496