The prospective contribution of childhood maltreatment to low self-worth, low relationship quality, and symptomatology across adolescence: A developmental-organizational perspective

Dev Psychol. 2014 Sep;50(9):2165-2175. doi: 10.1037/a0037162. Epub 2014 Jul 21.

Abstract

This research investigated the prospective contribution of childhood maltreatment to low self-worth, low relationship quality, and symptoms during adolescence. Further, the stability and cross-lagged effects of these sequelae of maltreatment were examined over time. History of maltreatment during childhood was obtained, and youth (407 maltreated, 228 nonmaltreated; 376 males, 259 females) completed 2 subsequent assessments spaced approximately 2 years apart during early-mid and mid-late adolescence. As anticipated, childhood maltreatment experiences predicted low self-worth, low relationship quality, and both internalizing and externalizing symptoms in early-mid adolescence. Beyond the stability paths of each outcome variable, significant cross-lagged effects were observed among low self-worth, low relationship quality, and internalizing symptoms across adolescence. In contrast, cross-lagged effects were not observed among adolescent externalizing symptoms. These findings support a developmental-organizational model in which childhood maltreatment creates multiple vulnerabilities that evince continuity and generate mutually influencing effects across adolescence.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Development*
  • Child
  • Child Abuse*
  • Child, Preschool
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self Concept*