Profiles of Childhood Maltreatment and Associations with Psychological Symptoms in Adulthood

Abstract

Background: Childhood maltreatment is a significant risk factor for psychological symptoms in adulthood. However, the impact of different forms of childhood maltreatment on mental health outcomes remains unclear. This study aimed to identify distinct profiles of childhood maltreatment and examine their associations with psychological symptoms in adulthood, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), dissociation, and depression.

Method: Participants (N = 147; 80.3% female; Mage = 39.02 years) completed measures assessing childhood maltreatment experiences and current psychological symptoms. Maltreatment was evaluated using the Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure scale. Current psychological symptoms were assessed using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 for PTSD symptoms, the severe pathological dissociation subscales of the Multidimensional Inventory of Dissociation for dissociative symptoms, and the Beck Depression Inventory for depressive symptoms. K-means cluster analysis was performed on 10 maltreatment variables to identify distinct maltreatment profiles. One-way ANOVAs were then conducted to examine differences in psychological symptoms across the identified clusters.

Results: Four distinct maltreatment profiles were identified: (1) multitype abuse and bullying group; (2) multitype abuse and neglect group; (3) low exposure to maltreatment group; and (4) pervasive high exposure to maltreatment group. ANOVAs revealed significant differences across clusters for PTSD symptoms, F(3, 143) = 21.91, p < .001, dissociation severity, F(3, 141) = 32.81, p < .001, and depression symptoms, F(3, 61) = 6.84, p < .001. Cluster 4 (pervasive high exposure group) consistently showed the highest levels of psychological symptoms, while Cluster 3 (low exposure group) showed the lowest levels. Strong positive correlations were observed between PTSD, dissociation, and depression symptoms (r’s = .50-.63, p’s < .001). Cluster membership was not significantly associated with demographic characteristics.

Conclusion: This study reveals distinct profiles of childhood maltreatment experiences and their differential associations with psychological symptoms in adulthood. The findings highlight the cumulative impact of multiple forms of maltreatment and underscore the importance of comprehensive assessment and the potential need for tailored interventions in clinical practice. Future research should explore the neurobiological correlates of these maltreatment profiles and their impact on treatment outcomes.