Longitudinal association between parental-to-child-Maltreatment and self-reported Generalized Anxiety Disorder symptoms in Pakistani Adolescents

Abstract

Background Parent-to-child maltreatment is considered one of the risk factors for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms, but this hypothesis has not been adequately tested in Pakistani settings. Aim This study aimed to examine the association between parent-to-child maltreatment and the risk of developing GAD symptoms among adolescents. Methods The association of none to rare, occasionally, and frequently parent-to-child maltreatment with the incidence of GAD symptoms was investigated in a sample of 800 adolescents aged 11–17 years who were followed for two years. Parent-to-child maltreatment was assessed using ICAST-C (International child abuse screening tool). GAD Symptoms were determined by SCARED (Screen for children anxiety-related disorders). Cox Proportional Algorithm was used to estimate risk ratios. Results Among children with both uneducated parents, frequently maltreatment was associated with 7.31 (2.20–24.04) times the risk of GAD symptoms compared to none to rare maltreatment. In contrast, the risk of GAD symptoms in frequently maltreated children was 5.58 times (1.40–21.97) than negligibly maltreated children with either educated parent. Conclusion The frequency of parent-to-child maltreatment is significantly associated with an increased risk of developing GAD symptoms in which parental education plays a crucial role. Parents should be imparted with the awareness of the consequences of child maltreatment. In Pakistani settings the need to have this awareness is even more necessary due to the culturally acceptable disciplinary measures used by parents.

Childhood behavioral inhibition and attachment: Links to generalized anxiety disorder in young adulthood

“…Thus, as these children presumably experience fear and anxiety on a regular basis, such an unpredictable environment can cause severe difficulties in emotional and stress regulation. Indeed, research has shown that children that experience maltreatment and bullying are at greater risk of later GAD (Copeland et al, 2013 ; Lakhdir et al, 2021 ). One striking difference between GAD and other anxiety disorders is that individuals with GAD have a large number of worries related to everyday life as opposed to specific ones (Dugas et al, 1998 ).…”

Child Maltreatment Reporting Practices by a Person Most Knowledgeable for Children and Youth: A Rapid Scoping Review

“…Of the studies that reported limitations/concerns, 12 (54.5%) noted that PMKs reporting child maltreatment might be affected by bias. Of these, eight studies indicated recall, denial, distortion, and “wish” biases (i.e., a tendency on the part of the participant for the desired outcome) [ 31 , 33 , 34 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ], and three stated social desirability bias as the primary concern [ 41 , 43 , 44 ]. Table 7 displays the limitations reported.…”