A Meta-Analysis of Childhood Maltreatment in Relation to Psychopathic Traits

Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by a mix of traits belonging to four facets: affective (e.g., callous/lack of empathy), interpersonal (e.g., grandiosity), behavioral instability (e.g., impulsivity, poor behavioral controls), and social deviance (e.g., juvenile delinquency, criminal versatility). Several scholars have argued that early childhood maltreatment impacts the development of psychopathy, although views regarding its role in the four facets differ. We conducted a meta-analysis including 47 studies comprising a total of 349 effect sizes and 12,737 participants, to investigate the association between the four psychopathy facets and four types of child maltreatment: physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and sexual abuse.We found support for a moderate link between overall psychopathy and childhood physical abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect, as well as overall childhood maltreatment. The link between psychopathy and childhood sexual abuse was small, but still significant. These associations were stronger for the behavioral and antisocial facets than for the affective and interpersonal facets of psychopathy, but nearly all associations were significant. Our findings are consistent with recently developed theories on the role of complex trauma in the development of severe personality disorders. Trauma-focused preventive and therapeutic interventions can provide further tests of the trauma-psychopathy hypothesis.

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Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect and Childhood Behavior Problems: A Meta-Analysis of Studies in Mainland China

Trauma Violence & Abuse ◽

10.1177/1524838018757750 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 21 (1) ◽

pp. 206-224 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Naixue Cui ◽

Jianghong Liu

Keyword(s):

Child Maltreatment ◽

Behavior Problems ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Mainland China ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Childhood Behavior ◽

Abuse And Neglect ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Childhood Behavior Problems

The relationship between three types of child maltreatment, including physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect, and childhood behavior problems in Mainland China, has not been systematically examined. This meta-analysis reviewed findings from 42 studies conducted in 98,749 children in Mainland China and analyzed the pooled effect sizes of the associations between child maltreatment and childhood behavior problems, heterogeneity in study findings, and publication bias. In addition, this study explored cross-study similarities/differences by comparing the pooled estimates with findings from five existing meta-analyses. Equivalent small-to-moderate effect sizes emerged in the relationships between the three types of maltreatment and child externalizing and internalizing behaviors, except that emotional abuse related more to internalizing than externalizing behaviors. Considerable heterogeneity exists among the 42 studies. Weak evidence suggests that child gender and reporter of emotional abuse may moderate the strengths of the relationships between child maltreatment and behavior problems. No indication of publication bias emerged. Cross-study comparisons show that the pooled effect sizes in this meta-analysis are about equal to those reported in the five meta-analyses conducted in child and adult populations across the world. Findings urge relevant agencies in Mainland China to build an effective child protection system to prevent child maltreatment.

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Testing the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis: Meta-analytic evidence of the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment

Development and Psychopathology ◽

10.1017/s0954579418001700 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 31 (1) ◽

pp. 23-51 ◽

Cited By ~ 42

Author(s):

Sheri Madigan ◽

Chantal Cyr ◽

Rachel Eirich ◽

R. M. Pasco Fearon ◽

Anh Ly ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Abuse ◽

Intergenerational Transmission ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Future Research ◽

Methodological Rigor ◽

History Of

AbstractIt has long been claimed that “maltreatment begets maltreatment,” that is, a parent's history of maltreatment increases the risk that his or her child will also suffer maltreatment. However, significant methodological concerns have been raised regarding evidence supporting this assertion, with some arguing that the association weakens in samples with higher methodological rigor. In the current study, the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment hypothesis is examined in 142 studies (149 samples; 227,918 dyads) that underwent a methodological quality review, as well as data extraction on a number of potential moderator variables. Results reveal a modest association of intergenerational maltreatment (k= 80;d= 0.45, 95% confidence interval; CI [0.37, 0.54]). Support for the intergenerational transmission of specific maltreatment types was also observed (neglect:k= 13,d= 0.24, 95% CI [0.11, 0.37]; physical abuse:k= 61,d= 0.41, 95% CI [0.33, 0.49]; emotional abuse:k= 18,d= 0.57, 95% CI [0.43, 0.71]; sexual abuse:k= 18,d= 0.39, 95% CI [0.24, 0.55]). Methodological quality only emerged as a significant moderator of the intergenerational transmission of physical abuse, with a weakening of effect sizes as methodological rigor increased. Evidence from this meta-analysis confirms the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis, although effect sizes were modest. Future research should focus on deepening understanding of mechanisms of transmission, as well as identifying protective factors that can effectively break the cycle of maltreatment.

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The Long-Term Health Consequences of Child Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, and Neglect: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PLoS Medicine ◽

10.1371/journal.pmed.1001349 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. e1001349 ◽

Cited By ~ 1177

Author(s):

Rosana E. Norman ◽

Munkhtsetseg Byambaa ◽

Rumna De ◽

Alexander Butchart ◽

James Scott ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Physical Abuse ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Child Physical Abuse ◽

Health Consequences ◽

Abuse And Neglect

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The role of lifetime stressors in adult fibromyalgia: systematic review and meta-analysis of case-control studies

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291720004547 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 51 (2) ◽

pp. 177-193

Author(s):

Nia Kaleycheva ◽

Alexis E. Cullen ◽

Robyn Evans ◽

Tirril Harris ◽

Timothy Nicholson ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Physical Abuse ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Full Range ◽

Stressful Events ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Study Quality ◽

Case Control Studies ◽

Meta Regression ◽

The Impact

AbstractBackgroundFibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Although accumulating evidence suggests that exposure to stressful events increases the risk for this complex disorder, this is the first meta-analysis to compare the impact of a full range of lifetime stressors (e.g. physical trauma through to emotional neglect) on adult fibromyalgia.MethodsThis review was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Random-effects models examined associations between different stressor exposures and fibromyalgia status with meta-regression investigating the effects of publication year and study quality on effect sizes.ResultsNineteen studies were included in the meta-analysis. Significant associations with fibromyalgia status were observed for all six exposure types examined: odds ratios (OR) were highest for physical abuse (OR 3.23, 95% confidence interval 1.99–5.23) and total abuse (3.06, 1.71–5.46); intermediate for sexual abuse (2.65, 1.85–3.79) and smaller for medical trauma (1.80, 1.19–2.71), other lifetime stressors (1.70, 1.31–2.20), and emotional abuse (1.52, 1.27–1.81). Results were not significantly changed when childhood, as opposed to adult, exposures were used in studies that reported both. Meta-regression analyses demonstrated no effect of publication year or study quality on effect sizes.ConclusionsThis study confirmed a significant association between stressor exposure and adult fibromyalgia with the strongest associations observed for physical abuse. Limitations related to current available literature were identified; we provide several suggestions for how these can be addressed in future studies. Stressors are likely to be one of many risk factors for fibromyalgia which we argue is best approached from a biopsychosocial perspective.

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The role of specific early trauma in adult depression: A meta-analysis of published literature. Childhood trauma and adult depression

European Psychiatry ◽

10.1016/j.eurpsy.2015.04.007 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 30 (6) ◽

pp. 665-680 ◽

Cited By ~ 153

Author(s):

L. Mandelli ◽

C. Petrelli ◽

A. Serretti

Keyword(s):

Physical Abuse ◽

Childhood Trauma ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Depressive Disorders ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Adult Life ◽

Adult Depression ◽

Childhood Traumas ◽

Post Hoc

AbstractBackgroundA large literature has long focused on the role of trauma in childhood and risk for psychological disorders in adulthood. Despite several studies performed, to date, it is not clear which weight have different childhood stressors specifically on the risk for depression in adult life. In the present study, we performed a meta-analysis of the literature in order to assess the effective role of childhood traumas as risk factor in the onset of depressive disorders in adults.MethodsPreviously published papers investigating the exposure to childhood trauma and their association with depression in adult subjects were retrieved in literature through common databases. Meta-analysis was conducted by the RevMan software. The quality of studies was evaluated by an adapted version of the New-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale; bias publication was evaluated by the Egger's test. Meta-regression analysis was employed to detect potential confounders and/or moderating variables. Finally, a sensitivity analysis was post-hoc performed to control for potential confounders.ResultsEmotional abuse showed the strongest association with depression (OR = 2.78) followed by neglect (OR = 2.75) and sexual abuse (OR = 2.42). Significant associations were also found for domestic violence (OR = 2.06) and physical abuse (OR = 1.98). Nevertheless, in post-hoc analysis, emotional abuse and neglect showed the strongest associations with depression as compared to other kinds of child trauma.ConclusionsThese findings support the role of neglect and emotional abuse as significantly associated to depression. Sexual/physical abuse or violence in family may be unspecific risk factors for mental disturbance. Other kind of trauma may play a less relevant role in risk of adult depression, though they should be not underestimated.

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Are Childhood Abuse and Neglect Related to Age of First Homelessness Episode Among Currently Homeless Adults?

Violence and Victims ◽

10.1891/0886-6708.vv-d-13-00025 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 29 (6) ◽

pp. 999-1013 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Marissa Y. Mar ◽

Isabelle A. Linden ◽

Iris Torchalla ◽

Kathy Li ◽

Michael Krausz

Keyword(s):

At Risk ◽

Physical Abuse ◽

Childhood Abuse ◽

Childhood Maltreatment ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Early Interventions ◽

Emotional Neglect ◽

Homeless Adults ◽

Abuse And Neglect ◽

Simultaneous Model

This study investigates 500 homeless adults and the associations between childhood maltreatment types and the age of first reported homelessness episode. Those first experiencing homelessness in youth (age 24 years or younger; 46%) were compared with those first experiencing homelessness at a later age (older than age 24 years). In individual models, physical abuse, emotional abuse, and emotional neglect were associated with first experiencing homelessness during youth (p< .02 for all types of maltreatment). In the simultaneous model, only emotional abuse remained significantly associated (p= .002). In addition, increasing numbers of maltreatment were associated with becoming homeless during youth (p< .0001). These results highlight the unique associations between childhood maltreatment types and becoming homeless earlier in life and support the need for early interventions with at-risk families.

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Effectiveness of psychological interventions to improve emotion regulation in youth - a meta-analysis

10.31234/osf.io/3yxcp ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Bettina Moltrecht ◽

Jessica Deighton ◽

Praveetha Patalay ◽

Julian Childs

Keyword(s):

Emotion Regulation ◽

Emotion Dysregulation ◽

Psychological Intervention ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Age Groups ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

What Works ◽

Large Heterogeneity ◽

Larger Sample

Background: Research investigating the role of emotion regulation (ER) in the development and treatment of psychopathology has increased in recent years. Evidence suggests that an increased focus on ER in treatment can improve existing interventions. Most ER research has neglected young people, therefore the present meta-analysis summarizes the evidence for existing psychosocial intervention and their effectiveness to improve ER in youth. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Twenty-one randomized-control-trials (RCTs) assessed changes in ER following a psychological intervention in youth exhibiting various psychopathological symptoms.Results: We found moderate effect sizes for current interventions to decrease emotion dysregulation in youth (g=-.46) and small effect sizes to improve emotion regulation (g=0.36). Significant differences between studies including intervention components, ER measures and populations studied resulted in large heterogeneity. Conclusion: This is the first meta-analysis that summarizes the effectiveness for existing interventions to improve ER in youth. The results suggest that interventions can enhance ER in youth, and that these improvements correlate with improvements in psychopathology. More RCTs including larger sample sizes, different age groups and psychopathologies are needed to increase our understanding of what works for who and when.

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Safeguarding children

InnovAiT Education and inspiration for general practice ◽

10.1177/1755738021995851 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 175573802199585

Author(s):

Sabana Shaikh ◽

Rubena Ali Malik

Keyword(s):

Sexual Abuse ◽

Child Abuse ◽

Healthcare Professional ◽

Physical Abuse ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Multidisciplinary Meetings ◽

The Family ◽

Abuse And Neglect ◽

Psychological Harm

It is the duty of every healthcare professional to ensure they prioritise the welfare of a child by protecting them from physical or psychological harm. Forms of child abuse include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. A child subjected to emotional abuse or neglect can present with ambiguous symptoms, making the abuse difficult to detect. Safeguarding concerns must be acted upon according to local procedures, guided by the child safeguarding lead and the practice safeguarding policy. Safeguarding multidisciplinary meetings can be an effective way of communicating with various professionals involved with the family.

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Linking Moral Identity With Moral Emotions: A Meta-Analysis

Review of General Psychology ◽

10.1177/1089268019880887 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 23 (4) ◽

pp. 444-457 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Jean Paul Lefebvre ◽

Tobias Krettenauer

Keyword(s):

Positive Emotions ◽

Moral Identity ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Moral Emotions ◽

Effect Sizes ◽

Moral Functioning ◽

Moral Anger ◽

Other Regarding ◽

The Relationship

This meta-analysis examined the relationship between moral identity and moral emotions drawing on 57 independent studies. Moral identity was significantly associated with moral emotions, r = .32, p < .01, 95% confidence interval [CI: .27, .36]. Effect sizes were moderated by the type of moral emotion. Studies reporting other-regarding emotions (sympathy, empathy, and compassion) had the largest effect sizes ( r = .41), while negative other-evaluative emotions (moral anger, contempt, and disgust) had the smallest ( r = .16). Self-evaluative and other-evaluative positive emotions had intermediate effect sizes ( r values between .29 and .32). The type of emotion measure also was a significant moderator, with trait measures of emotion ( r = .38) correlating more strongly with moral identity than state measures ( r = .24). Effect sizes did not differ for the type of moral identity measure being used, publication status, or cultural origin of the study sample. The results of this meta-analysis demonstrate a robust empirical connection between moral identity and moral emotions, which confirms the multifaceted role of moral identity in moral functioning.

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Childhood maltreatment and adult suicidality: a comprehensive systematic review with meta-analysis

Psychological Medicine ◽

10.1017/s0033291718003823 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 49 (07) ◽

pp. 1057-1078 ◽

Cited By ~ 33

Author(s):

Ioannis Angelakis ◽

Emma Louise Gillespie ◽

Maria Panagioti

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Childhood Abuse ◽

Childhood Maltreatment ◽

Emotional Abuse ◽

Suicide Attempts ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Current Evidence ◽

Bibliographic Databases ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Different Types

AbstractThis comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis aims to quantify the association between different types of childhood maltreatment and suicidality. We searched five bibliographic databases, including Medline, PsychINFO, Embase, Web of Science and CINAHL, until January 2018. Random-effects meta-analysis was employed followed by univariable and multivariable meta-regressions. Heterogeneity was quantified using theI2statistic and formal publication bias tests were undertaken. The methodological quality of the studies was critically appraised and accounted in the meta-regression analyses. Data from 68 studies based onn= 261.660 adults were pooled. All different types of childhood maltreatment including sexual abuse [odds ratio (OR) 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.76–3.64], physical abuse (OR 2.52, 95% CI 2.09–3.04) and emotional abuse (OR 2.49, 95% CI 1.64–3.77) were associated with two- to three-fold increased risk for suicide attempts. Similar results were found for the association between childhood maltreatment and suicidal ideation. Complex childhood abuse was associated with a particularly high risk for suicide attempts in adults (OR 5.18, 95% CI 2.52–10.63). Variations across the studies in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics of the participants and other core methodological factors did not affect the findings of the main analyses. We conclude that there is solid evidence that childhood maltreatment is associated with increased odds for suicidality in adults. The main outstanding challenge is to better understand the mechanisms which underpin the development of suicidality in people exposed to childhood maltreatment because current evidence is scarce.

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