The influence of child abuse and neglect on emotional-behavioral difficulties and psychopathological characteristics in adolescents

Abstract

Background/Aim. Child abuse and neglect is a general problem all around the world. It may result in the physical, psychological and social dysfunction of the child and it may cause serious consequences in adult life. The main aim of the research was to examine the influence of child abuse/neglect on the development of emotional-behavioral difficulties and psychopathological characteristics in adolescents. Methods. 60 examinees of both genders aged from 12 to 18 years were divided into two groups (group of abused adolescents and control group). The general questionnaire, Questionnaire for Youth Self Report, and available medical documentation were used. The data were processed in JASP 0.8.5.1 by ANOVA. Results. 46.67% adolescents were neglected, 10% physically abused, 3.33% were emotionally abused, no adolescent was sexually abused, while 40% suffered several types of abuse. The abusers were usually both parents, their educational level is lower than the parents of the adolescents in control group. In the group of abused adolescents the average number of siblings, the percentage of divorced parents and the loss of one parent are higher than in the control group. In the group of abused adolescents somatic disturbances, delinquency and aggressive behavior (p<0.01) are more prominent compared to the adolescents of control group. Conclusion. Multiple and long-term consequences of childhood abuse that are manifested in adolescence point to the specific needs of abused adolescents for psychological and psychiatric support and treatment, in order to prevent and mitigate the consequences later in adulthood.