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Child maltreatment and vulnerability to depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 October 2008

Sheree L. Toth,
Jody Todd Manly and
Dante Cicchetti
Sheree L. Toth*
Affiliation:
Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester
Jody Todd Manly
Affiliation:
Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester
Dante Cicchetti*
Affiliation:
Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester
*
Address reprint requests to: Sheree L. Toth of Dante Cicchetti, Mt. Hope Family Center, 187 Edinburgh Street, Rochester, NY 14608.
Address reprint requests to: Sheree L. Toth of Dante Cicchetti, Mt. Hope Family Center, 187 Edinburgh Street, Rochester, NY 14608.
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Abstract

This investigation explored differences in depressive symptomatology among low-socioeconomic status children aged 7–12 years from abusive (N = 46), neglectful (N = 35), and nonmaltreating (N = 72) homes. Measures of aggression and self-esteem also were included. Children from abusive homes evidenced significantly more depressive symptomatology than children from either neglectful or nonmaltreating families. Additionally, children from physically abusive homes exhibited lower self-esteem than did nonmaltreated children. While significant differences among groups on aggression did not emerge, all groups evidenced higher levels of acting out behaviors than would be expected in a nonclinic group of children. Results were discussed in terms of the effects of physical abuse on depression and the importance of intervening to prevent the deleterious effects of abuse. Additionally, the impact of neglect and poverty status on the presence of aggression was discussed.

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Type
Articles
Information
Development and Psychopathology , Volume 4 , Issue 1 , January 1992, pp. 97 - 112
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1992

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