What do we know about child abuse and neglect patterns of co-occurrence? A systematic review of profiling studies and recommendations for future research

Abstract

Latent class (LCA) and latent profile (LPA) analysis represent methodological approaches to identify subgroups of maltreated individuals. Although research examining child abuse and neglect (CAN) profiles is still rare, the application of person-centered techniques to clarify CAN types co-occurrence has substantially increased in recent years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to provide a summary and critical evaluation of the findings of LCA/LPA child maltreatment research to: (a) systemize the current understanding of patterns of maltreatment across populations and (b) elucidate interactive effects of CAN types on psychosocial functioning. A search in PsychInfo, Eric, PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct, and Google Scholar was performed. Sixteen studies examining the co-occurrence between child physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and/or exposure to domestic violence were identified. A critical review of the studies revealed inconsistent findings as to the number of CAN classes, but most research uncovered a poly-victimized and a low abuse group. Further, multiple victimization was associated with most adverse internalizing and externalizing outcomes, especially when sexual abuse was present. Exposure to physical and emotional abuse was frequently reported to lead to behavioural problems. Based on the present study results, we provide a set of recommendations for surpassing the current methodological and conceptual limitations in future research.

Profiles and behavioral consequences of child abuse among adolescent girls and boys from Barbados and Grenada

“…In considering the above as well as the overall paucity of CM profiling studies, Debowska, Willmott, Boduszek, and Jones (2017), in a recent review of such literature, recommended further research utilizing more diverse samples, especially those drawn from non-Western societies and exclusively female samples, to build a better understanding of CM and its consequences worldwide. Additionally, to enable the development of more targeted preventive measures, Debowska et al suggested that future profiling studies should account for the setting in which victimization was experienced (e.g., within and outside the family).…”

Gender-Based Violence-Supportive Cognitions in Adolescent Girls and Boys: The Function of Violence Exposure and Victimization

“…Further, extant research reports a significant association between adverse childhood experiences and externalising as well as internalising problems in adolescence and adulthood (see Debowska, Willmott, Boduszek, & Jones, 2017 for a review).…”

The cortisol awakening response and anterior cingulate cortex function in maltreated depressed versus non-maltreated depressed youth

“…Similar limitations, however, are common to maltreatment research and reflect the characteristics of maltreated samples. Types of abuse often co-occur, and physical or sexual abuse seldom occurs in the absence of neglect or outside of families at higher risk for spousal violence (Bidarra et al, 2016; Debowska et al, 2017; Dube et al, 2002; Schilling et al, 2016). Similarly, in the US, females are more likely to be victimized than males (Goverment, 2015).…”