Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107881
Fan Wu , Yiwen Yan , Rongxuan Tian , Liwen Qu , Linyun Fu
Background
Despite increasing advocacy for child-centered social services, tools for capturing children's subjective experiences remain limited, particularly in non-Western contexts.
Objective
This study aimed to develop and validate the Children's Subjective Service Experience Scale (CSSES), a multidimensional measure of children's perceptions and engagement during social service practices.
Participants
A total of 1021 students (grades 4–9, aged 9–15) from seven schools across urban and rural regions in China participated. All were recipients of a national nonprofit social service program in Mainland China.
Methods
Items were generated from a systematic literature review, expert consultation, and interviews with children. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on two split samples (n1 = 511; n2 = 510), followed by multigroup CFA to assess measurement invariance across gender, grade level, and urban–rural residence.
Results
A 16-item, four-factor structure was identified, with two second-order dimensions: subjective experience (identity, interaction process) and intersubjective experience (expression, care ethics). Model fit was acceptable (χ2/df = 2.763, CFI = 0.923, TLI = 0.907, RMSEA = 0.059, SRMR = 0.052). The scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.70 for most factors), satisfactory composite reliability (CR > 0.70), and strong measurement invariance across subgroups (ΔCFI <0.01).
Conclusions
The results demonstrate that the CSSES is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing children's subjective experiences, specifically within the context of school-based psychosocial interventions. It offers a practical tool for improving service responsiveness, promoting child agency, and informing child-centered intervention design.
{"title":"Development and validation of the children's subjective service experience scale during social service delivery in Mainland China","authors":"Fan Wu , Yiwen Yan , Rongxuan Tian , Liwen Qu , Linyun Fu","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107881","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107881","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Despite increasing advocacy for child-centered social services, tools for capturing children's subjective experiences remain limited, particularly in non-Western contexts.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to develop and validate the Children's Subjective Service Experience Scale (CSSES), a multidimensional measure of children's perceptions and engagement during social service practices.</div></div><div><h3>Participants</h3><div>A total of 1021 students (grades 4–9, aged 9–15) from seven schools across urban and rural regions in China participated. All were recipients of a national nonprofit social service program in Mainland China.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Items were generated from a systematic literature review, expert consultation, and interviews with children. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted on two split samples (n<sub>1</sub> = 511; n<sub>2</sub> = 510), followed by multigroup CFA to assess measurement invariance across gender, grade level, and urban–rural residence.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A 16-item, four-factor structure was identified, with two second-order dimensions: subjective experience (identity, interaction process) and intersubjective experience (expression, care ethics). Model fit was acceptable (χ<sup>2</sup>/df = 2.763, CFI = 0.923, TLI = 0.907, RMSEA = 0.059, SRMR = 0.052). The scale showed good internal consistency (Cronbach's α > 0.70 for most factors), satisfactory composite reliability (CR > 0.70), and strong measurement invariance across subgroups (ΔCFI <0.01).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The results demonstrate that the CSSES is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing children's subjective experiences, specifically within the context of school-based psychosocial interventions. It offers a practical tool for improving service responsiveness, promoting child agency, and informing child-centered intervention design.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107881"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107924
Aneliana da Silva Prado , Juliane Hug , Melanie Eckert , Richard Wundrack , Shadi Saee , Juliane Pougin , Elisabeth Kohls , Christine Rummel-Kluge
Introduction
It is challenging for children and adolescents to report and seek help for child welfare endangerment. Online chat-based counseling services have emerged as viable, low-threshold options, enabling at-risk individuals to seek help digitally. Krisenchat is a confidential, 24/7 chat service designed to assist young people in acute crises.
Objective
This study aimed to characterize users of krisenchat who were flagged by counselors as potentially cases of child welfare endangerment, and to differentiate them from other users of the service.
Participants and setting
Anonymized data were obtained from the n = 29,387 krisenchat users between January and December 2023.
Methods
Demographic information, utilization behavior, suicidality, and use of professional help services were documented by counselors, while user satisfaction, recommendation rates, and emotional distress were assessed through voluntary surveys following consultation.
Results
Overall, 10.7% of users were flagged by counselors as suspected cases of child welfare endangerment. These users were more likely to be younger (M = 14 vs. M = 17), female (84.3% vs. 76.7%), and to report sexual violence (15.6% vs. 5.5%) and suicidal behavior (10.9% vs. 4.2%) compared to those not flagged. They also reported higher emotional distress (M = 6.80 pre vs. M = 4.65 post, p < .001) than other users (M = 4.65 pre vs. M = 4.57 post, p = .550) prior to the chat.
Conclusions
The findings highlight the potential of messenger-based platforms as tools for early detection and intervention, while underscoring the importance of trust-building to facilitate full disclosure.
儿童和青少年举报和寻求儿童福利危害是一项具有挑战性的工作。基于聊天的在线咨询服务已经成为可行的、低门槛的选择，使有风险的个人能够通过数字方式寻求帮助。Krisenchat是一个保密的全天候聊天服务，旨在帮助处于严重危机中的年轻人。目的：本研究旨在描述被辅导员标记为潜在儿童福利危害案例的krisenchat用户的特征，并将他们与该服务的其他用户区分开来。参与者和环境：2023年1月至12月期间，匿名数据来自n = 29,387名krisenchat用户。方法：由咨询师记录患者的人口统计信息、使用行为、自杀倾向和专业帮助服务的使用情况，并通过咨询后的自愿调查评估用户满意度、推荐率和情绪困扰。结果：总体而言，10.7%的使用者被辅导员标记为涉嫌危害儿童福利的案件。这些用户更年轻（M = 14 vs. M = 17），女性（84.3% vs. 76.7%），并报告性暴力（15.6% vs. 5.5%）和自杀行为（10.9% vs. 4.2%）与未被标记的用户相比。结论：研究结果强调了基于信使的平台作为早期发现和干预工具的潜力，同时强调了建立信任以促进充分披露的重要性。
{"title":"How do young people potentially affected by child welfare endangerment use a messenger-based psychosocial chat counseling service?","authors":"Aneliana da Silva Prado , Juliane Hug , Melanie Eckert , Richard Wundrack , Shadi Saee , Juliane Pougin , Elisabeth Kohls , Christine Rummel-Kluge","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107924","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107924","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>It is challenging for children and adolescents to report and seek help for child welfare endangerment. Online chat-based counseling services have emerged as viable, low-threshold options, enabling at-risk individuals to seek help digitally. <em>Krisenchat</em> is a confidential, 24/7 chat service designed to assist young people in acute crises.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to characterize users of <em>krisenchat</em> who were flagged by counselors as potentially cases of child welfare endangerment, and to differentiate them from other users of the service.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>Anonymized data were obtained from the <em>n</em> = 29,387 <em>krisenchat</em> users between January and December 2023.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Demographic information, utilization behavior, suicidality, and use of professional help services were documented by counselors, while user satisfaction, recommendation rates, and emotional distress were assessed through voluntary surveys following consultation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 10.7% of users were flagged by counselors as suspected cases of child welfare endangerment. These users were more likely to be younger (<em>M</em> = 14 vs. <em>M</em> = 17), female (84.3% vs. 76.7%), and to report sexual violence (15.6% vs. 5.5%) and suicidal behavior (10.9% vs. 4.2%) compared to those not flagged. They also reported higher emotional distress (<em>M</em> = 6.80 pre vs. <em>M</em> = 4.65 post, <em>p</em> < .001) than other users (<em>M</em> = 4.65 pre vs. <em>M</em> = 4.57 post, <em>p</em> = .550) prior to the chat.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings highlight the potential of messenger-based platforms as tools for early detection and intervention, while underscoring the importance of trust-building to facilitate full disclosure.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107924"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146121131","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107931
Rawan Iriqat , Teresita Rocha-Jimenez , Margarita Romero de la Cruz
Background
Children and adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region experience high rates of psychological distress due to armed conflict and displacement, with limited access to traditional mental health care. This has led to increased interest in digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) as a potential solution.
Objective
This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of DMHIs in reducing PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, as well as improving overall wellbeing in MENA children and adolescents affected by armed conflict. It also explores barriers and facilitators to implementation in conflict-affected and displacement settings.
Participants and setting
The review included studies involving children and adolescents ages (5–18), from MENA countries affected by armed-conflict or displacement.
Methods
We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and gray literature using a structured Population, Intervention, Outcome (PIO) framework, along with expert consultations, following PRISMA guidelines. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and findings were synthesized narratively.
Results
Ten studies on digital games, telehealth, and online interventions showed significant reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with medium to large effect sizes. Gamified interventions in schools and healthcare settings had the highest engagement. Key barriers included infrastructure, digital illiteracy, and stigma, while facilitators were cultural adaptation and integration into existing systems.
Conclusions
DMHIs are a promising strategy for addressing mental health needs in conflict-affected children and adolescents. Future efforts should prioritize cost-effective, offline compatible models and greater integration into education and healthcare systems for sustainability
{"title":"Evaluating digital mental health interventions for Middle East and North Africa children and adolescents affected by armed conflict: A systematic review","authors":"Rawan Iriqat , Teresita Rocha-Jimenez , Margarita Romero de la Cruz","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107931","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107931","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Children and adolescents in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region experience high rates of psychological distress due to armed conflict and displacement, with limited access to traditional mental health care. This has led to increased interest in digital mental health interventions (DMHIs) as a potential solution.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness of DMHIs in reducing PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms, as well as improving overall wellbeing in MENA children and adolescents affected by armed conflict. It also explores barriers and facilitators to implementation in conflict-affected and displacement settings.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>The review included studies involving children and adolescents ages (5–18), from MENA countries affected by armed-conflict or displacement.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and gray literature using a structured Population, Intervention, Outcome (PIO) framework, along with expert consultations, following PRISMA guidelines. The quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), and findings were synthesized narratively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Ten studies on digital games, telehealth, and online interventions showed significant reductions in PTSD, anxiety, and depression, with medium to large effect sizes. Gamified interventions in schools and healthcare settings had the highest engagement. Key barriers included infrastructure, digital illiteracy, and stigma, while facilitators were cultural adaptation and integration into existing systems.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>DMHIs are a promising strategy for addressing mental health needs in conflict-affected children and adolescents. Future efforts should prioritize cost-effective, offline compatible models and greater integration into education and healthcare systems for sustainability</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107931"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146121119","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-03DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107934
Hannah Greig , Andrew McGrath , Rachael Fox , Linda Deravin
Background
Children and young people in contact with child protection services often experience poorer life outcomes compared to their peers. Limited research exists on the reasons behind this disparity from the perspective of those with direct lived experience.
Objective
To explore and amplify the voices of care leavers (adults formerly in care) and understand their unique experiences and perspectives on the benefits and challenges of being a child or young person in care.
Participants and setting
Seven care leavers aged 19–69 years (three Australian Aboriginal, four non-First Nations), participated in a semi-structured, open-ended interview.
Methods
Founded in exploratory and participatory methodology, interviews were examined using qualitative thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning connected to the research question.
Findings
Six themes were identified: 1) Care can be good…but it is luck of the draw; 2) Care is conditional; 3) Don't stand up on unlevel ground; 4) OOHC is not my identity (an identity to be hidden, yet a desire to be known); 5) Not my real family or my real home (the desire to belong and be at home); and 6) Kept in the dark - seen but not heard (powerless and uninformed).
Conclusion
Care leaver's stories challenge assumed narratives about Out-Of-Home Care, highlighting how short-term, inconsistent care undermines children's need for stability, participation and meaningful relationships. Findings contribute theoretically by examining intersectionality in care contexts and practically by advocating for relational continuity as well as child-centred, participatory, culturally responsive models of care.
{"title":"“Don't stand up on unlevel ground”: Care leavers' experiences of out-of-home care","authors":"Hannah Greig , Andrew McGrath , Rachael Fox , Linda Deravin","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107934","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107934","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Children and young people in contact with child protection services often experience poorer life outcomes compared to their peers. Limited research exists on the reasons behind this disparity from the perspective of those with direct lived experience.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore and amplify the voices of care leavers (adults formerly in care) and understand their unique experiences and perspectives on the benefits and challenges of being a child or young person in care.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>Seven care leavers aged 19–69 years (three Australian Aboriginal, four non-First Nations), participated in a semi-structured, open-ended interview.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Founded in exploratory and participatory methodology, interviews were examined using qualitative thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning connected to the research question.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Six themes were identified: 1) Care can be good…but it is luck of the draw; 2) Care is conditional; 3) Don't stand up on unlevel ground; 4) OOHC is not my identity (an identity to be hidden, yet a desire to be known); 5) Not my real family or my real home (the desire to belong and be at home); and 6) Kept in the dark - seen but not heard (powerless and uninformed).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Care leaver's stories challenge assumed narratives about Out-Of-Home Care, highlighting how short-term, inconsistent care undermines children's need for stability, participation and meaningful relationships. Findings contribute theoretically by examining intersectionality in care contexts and practically by advocating for relational continuity as well as child-centred, participatory, culturally responsive models of care.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107934"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146121041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-09DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107929
Kolby Leonardi , Spencer Bradshaw , Kerry Jordan , Sara Freeman
Background
Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) has long-term consequences, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments. However, CSA often goes undetected due to challenges in disclosure and limitations in identification methods.
Objective
This study aimed to validate an image set capable of distinguishing individuals with CSA histories.
Participants and setting
A total of 346 adults participated and were recruited via the Utah State University SONA system, Northern Utah treatment clinics, and online forums.
Methods
Participants viewed randomized orders of 120 visual stimuli consisting of critical and neutral images and rated their emotional valence. Critical Images were based on criteria associated with grooming and designed to evoke emotional responses for CSA survivors. Neutral images excluded key features associated with grooming scenarios and depicted everyday scenes expected to elicit minimal emotional response. CSA severity was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Pearson's correlations, linear regression, ANOVA, and path analysis were used to examine relationships between CSA severity and image ratings.
Results
Sixty-nine critical images were retained for their large and significant correlations with CSA severity. An ANOVA showed a significant group-by-image type interaction. Regression analysis confirmed CSA severity as a predictor of critical image ratings. Negative mood and cognition symptoms, and intrusion symptoms, mediated this relationship.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that CSA survivors exhibit heightened sensitivity to social stimuli associated with trust and vulnerability. This validated image set establishes a behavioral framework that may be leveraged in future neuroimaging studies examining neural correlates of CSA.
{"title":"Adult-child interaction emotional image set: Subject ratings of childhood sexual abuse survivors","authors":"Kolby Leonardi , Spencer Bradshaw , Kerry Jordan , Sara Freeman","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107929","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107929","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) has long-term consequences, including cognitive, emotional, and behavioral impairments. However, CSA often goes undetected due to challenges in disclosure and limitations in identification methods.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to validate an image set capable of distinguishing individuals with CSA histories.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>A total of 346 adults participated and were recruited via the Utah State University SONA system, Northern Utah treatment clinics, and online forums.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants viewed randomized orders of 120 visual stimuli consisting of critical and neutral images and rated their emotional valence. Critical Images were based on criteria associated with grooming and designed to evoke emotional responses for CSA survivors. Neutral images excluded key features associated with grooming scenarios and depicted everyday scenes expected to elicit minimal emotional response. CSA severity was assessed using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. Pearson's correlations, linear regression, ANOVA, and path analysis were used to examine relationships between CSA severity and image ratings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Sixty-nine critical images were retained for their large and significant correlations with CSA severity. An ANOVA showed a significant group-by-image type interaction. Regression analysis confirmed CSA severity as a predictor of critical image ratings. Negative mood and cognition symptoms, and intrusion symptoms, mediated this relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings suggest that CSA survivors exhibit heightened sensitivity to social stimuli associated with trust and vulnerability. This validated image set establishes a behavioral framework that may be leveraged in future neuroimaging studies examining neural correlates of CSA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107929"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146159126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107894
S. Karki , Jennifer J. Infanti , Suja P. Davis , A. Shrestha , R. Chapagain , K.D. Pun
Background
Child abuse is a global public health concern with long-term behavioral, psychological, and physical health consequences. Schools play a crucial role in addressing abuse, with teachers uniquely positioned to observe signs of abuse, such as behavioral changes.
Objective
To explore teachers' perceptions of child abuse, existing support systems, and barriers to addressing it.
Participants and setting
Thirty-three teachers from different public and private schools in Dhulikhel Municipality, Bagmati Province, Nepal, were purposefully selected.
Methods
After obtaining informed written consent, a qualitative study was conducted using five focus group discussions. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed in Nepali, translated into English, and analyzed using content analysis.
Results
Teachers identified various forms of child abuse, including culturally-specific practices such as forcing children to eat against their will, parental pressure for academic performance, making children perform hard physical work without food and/or assigning tasks beyond their physical capacity, and caste-based discrimination. Some misconceptions about child abuse included normalizing excessive academic pressure on students and equating substance (drug) use with child abuse. Participants perceived key risk factors for child abuse as child disability, poverty, low parental education, and weak law enforcement, whereas protective factors were teachers' awareness and collaboration. Teachers expressed a strong interest in receiving training to better identify and respond to cases of child abuse.
Conclusions
Teachers showed a generally accurate but limited understanding of child abuse. These findings can guide training programs and updates to local child protection policies in Nepal.
{"title":"Nepali school teachers' perceptions of child abuse in Dhulikhel municipality: A qualitative study","authors":"S. Karki , Jennifer J. Infanti , Suja P. Davis , A. Shrestha , R. Chapagain , K.D. Pun","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107894","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107894","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Child abuse is a global public health concern with long-term behavioral, psychological, and physical health consequences. Schools play a crucial role in addressing abuse, with teachers uniquely positioned to observe signs of abuse, such as behavioral changes.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To explore teachers' perceptions of child abuse, existing support systems, and barriers to addressing it.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>Thirty-three teachers from different public and private schools in Dhulikhel Municipality, Bagmati Province, Nepal, were purposefully selected.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>After obtaining informed written consent, a qualitative study was conducted using five focus group discussions. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed in Nepali, translated into English, and analyzed using content analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Teachers identified various forms of child abuse, including culturally-specific practices such as forcing children to eat against their will, parental pressure for academic performance, making children perform hard physical work without food and/or assigning tasks beyond their physical capacity, and caste-based discrimination. Some misconceptions about child abuse included normalizing excessive academic pressure on students and equating substance (drug) use with child abuse. Participants perceived key risk factors for child abuse as child disability, poverty, low parental education, and weak law enforcement, whereas protective factors were teachers' awareness and collaboration. Teachers expressed a strong interest in receiving training to better identify and respond to cases of child abuse.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Teachers showed a generally accurate but limited understanding of child abuse. These findings can guide training programs and updates to local child protection policies in Nepal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107894"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145980766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-29DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107915
Patrick O'Neill , Lauren Kerr , Jessica Pugel , Elizabeth C. Long , Christian M. Connell , Tenesha Littleton , Jennie G. Noll , D. Max Crowley , J. Taylor Scott
Background
Child abuse and neglect (CAN) inflicts long-term costs on both individuals and society, yet little is known about how state-level legislation incorporates research evidence to address CAN.
Objective
The study examined bill- and state-level factors for association with the use of research evidence (URE) in CAN-related legislation.
Participants and setting
CAN-related state legislation introduced between 2019 and 2024 (N = 27,703).
Methods
Using multilevel mixed effects modeling, we assessed how bill-level (e.g., bipartisan sponsorship) and state-level (e.g., policy innovativeness) factors predicted the presence of research language in legislation. We also evaluated whether enacted bills were more likely to contain research language.
Results
Policy innovativeness (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.02,1.35]), an interaction between policy innovativeness and GSP per capita (OR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.06,1.33]), sponsor/cosponsor count (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00,1.01]), bipartisan (co)sponsorship (OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.18,1.43]), substance use disorder language (OR = 12.10, 95% CI [10.60,13.90]), social determinants of health language (OR = 6.07, 95% CI [5.28,6.98]), COVID-19 time period (OR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.06,1.14]), and enactment status (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.19,1.37]) all significantly predicted increased odds of research language inclusion in bills. Research and development expenditures predicted lower odds (OR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.70,0.997]) of research language inclusion.
Conclusions
Both bill- and state-level factors influence the presence of research language in CAN-related legislation, highlighting the ways that contextual factors may promote evidence-based policymaking. Promoting evidence-based policymaking can help address CAN, reduce CAN rates, and further the reach of CAN-related research.
{"title":"Use of research evidence in U.S. state child abuse and neglect policies: 2019–2024","authors":"Patrick O'Neill , Lauren Kerr , Jessica Pugel , Elizabeth C. Long , Christian M. Connell , Tenesha Littleton , Jennie G. Noll , D. Max Crowley , J. Taylor Scott","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107915","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107915","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Child abuse and neglect (CAN) inflicts long-term costs on both individuals and society, yet little is known about how state-level legislation incorporates research evidence to address CAN.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The study examined bill- and state-level factors for association with the use of research evidence (URE) in CAN-related legislation.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>CAN-related state legislation introduced between 2019 and 2024 (<em>N</em> = 27,703).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using multilevel mixed effects modeling, we assessed how bill-level (e.g., bipartisan sponsorship) and state-level (e.g., policy innovativeness) factors predicted the presence of research language in legislation. We also evaluated whether enacted bills were more likely to contain research language.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Policy innovativeness (OR = 1.18, 95% CI [1.02,1.35]), an interaction between policy innovativeness and GSP per capita (OR = 1.19, 95% CI [1.06,1.33]), sponsor/cosponsor count (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00,1.01]), bipartisan (co)sponsorship (OR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.18,1.43]), substance use disorder language (OR = 12.10, 95% CI [10.60,13.90]), social determinants of health language (OR = 6.07, 95% CI [5.28,6.98]), COVID-19 time period (OR = 1.10, 95% CI [1.06,1.14]), and enactment status (OR = 1.27, 95% CI [1.19,1.37]) all significantly predicted increased odds of research language inclusion in bills. Research and development expenditures predicted lower odds (OR = 0.84, 95% CI [0.70,0.997]) of research language inclusion.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Both bill- and state-level factors influence the presence of research language in CAN-related legislation, highlighting the ways that contextual factors may promote evidence-based policymaking. Promoting evidence-based policymaking can help address CAN, reduce CAN rates, and further the reach of CAN-related research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107915"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107888
Afnan Attrash-Najjar
Background
Trauma and human geography studies have often overlooked how children's responses to intrafamilial abuse are shaped by the spaces surrounding them.
Objectives
This study aims to explore how children experience and respond to intrafamilial abuse. In particular, the focus will be on the spatial dimensions of their responses, within environments marked by restricted mobility, continuous surveillance, and broader socio-political oppression of a marginalized minority.
Methods
A qualitative narrative methodology was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 Palestinian Muslim adults (16 women, 5 men) in Israel who experienced prolonged intrafamilial physical abuse in childhood. Data was analyzed using an inductive, narrative-based thematic approach.
Results
The analysis identified three themes: (1) interlocked geographies of violence, linking intrafamilial abuse with state oppression and historical trauma; (2) alternative geographies of survival, where children reshaped spaces for safety and agency; and (3) the politics of sumud (steadfastness), framing silence and non-disclosure as acts of collective resistance.
Conclusions
Palestinian children's responses to abuse are spatially and politically constituted acts of survival and resistance. This necessitates a paradigm shift in child protection toward contextual, community-based interventions that recognize these strategies as part of a broader anti-colonial struggle.
{"title":"The thirdspace of response to intrafamilial child abuse among Palestinian survivors in Israel: “The closeness to the earth felt like a mother's embrace”","authors":"Afnan Attrash-Najjar","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107888","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107888","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Trauma and human geography studies have often overlooked how children's responses to intrafamilial abuse are shaped by the spaces surrounding them.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study aims to explore how children experience and respond to intrafamilial abuse. In particular, the focus will be on the spatial dimensions of their responses, within environments marked by restricted mobility, continuous surveillance, and broader socio-political oppression of a marginalized minority.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative narrative methodology was employed. In-depth interviews were conducted with 21 Palestinian Muslim adults (16 women, 5 men) in Israel who experienced prolonged intrafamilial physical abuse in childhood. Data was analyzed using an inductive, narrative-based thematic approach.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis identified three themes: (1) interlocked geographies of violence, linking intrafamilial abuse with state oppression and historical trauma; (2) alternative geographies of survival, where children reshaped spaces for safety and agency; and (3) the politics of <em>sumud</em> (steadfastness), framing silence and non-disclosure as acts of collective resistance.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Palestinian children's responses to abuse are spatially and politically constituted acts of survival and resistance. This necessitates a paradigm shift in child protection toward contextual, community-based interventions that recognize these strategies as part of a broader anti-colonial struggle.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107888"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145928783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-23DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107871
J. Belbèze , J. Silva , M. Corcos , M. Robin
Background
While maltreatment is a well-established risk factor for psychopathology, recent literature highlights the need to consider the role of broader family dynamics in shaping diagnostic outcomes.
Objective
This study adopts a framework that integrates both formal abuse/neglect and at-risk family interactions, aiming to identify diagnosis-specific adversity profiles.
Participants and settings
This cross-sectional analysis, conducted at a single site as part of the Family and Care study, includes hospitalized adolescents diagnosed with one or more conditions from nine diagnostic categories. Participants were recruited over a 4-year period in an 8-bed psychiatric unit within a university-affiliated psychiatric department.
Method
Data on abuse and neglect were collected through the European Child Abuse and Neglect dataset and the At-Risk Family Interactions and Levers (ARFIL) scale, a 30-item clinical tool, measured family interactions. We hypothesized that patterns of maltreatment and at-risk relationships would vary by diagnosis.
Results
Among the 425 participants, emotional abuse prevalence was 46.1 %, physical abuse 21.4 %, sexual abuse 25.1 %, and neglect 70.5 %. Significant differences by age, gender, global assessment of functioning scores, and hospitalization duration were observed between diagnostic groups (p < .05). Personality, Oppositional Defiant, and Trauma and Stress-related Disorders showed higher ARFIL diversity and intensity scores compared to other diagnoses, highlighting the distinct influence of at-risk family dynamics in addition to formal abuse or neglect. All diagnoses exhibited a specific set of associations but mood and psychotic disorders.
Conclusions
Distinct maltreatment and at-risk family interaction profiles were associated with specific diagnoses. Assessing both maltreatment and family dynamics enhances understanding of patient environments and provides targeted therapeutic insights.
{"title":"Associations between abuse, neglect, and at-risk family interactions with adolescent psychiatric disorders","authors":"J. Belbèze , J. Silva , M. Corcos , M. Robin","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107871","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107871","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>While maltreatment is a well-established risk factor for psychopathology, recent literature highlights the need to consider the role of broader family dynamics in shaping diagnostic outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study adopts a framework that integrates both formal abuse/neglect and at-risk family interactions, aiming to identify diagnosis-specific adversity profiles.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and settings</h3><div>This cross-sectional analysis, conducted at a single site as part of the Family and Care study, includes hospitalized adolescents diagnosed with one or more conditions from nine diagnostic categories. Participants were recruited over a 4-year period in an 8-bed psychiatric unit within a university-affiliated psychiatric department.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>Data on abuse and neglect were collected through the European Child Abuse and Neglect dataset and the At-Risk Family Interactions and Levers (ARFIL) scale, a 30-item clinical tool, measured family interactions. We hypothesized that patterns of maltreatment and at-risk relationships would vary by diagnosis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among the 425 participants, emotional abuse prevalence was 46.1 %, physical abuse 21.4 %, sexual abuse 25.1 %, and neglect 70.5 %. Significant differences by age, gender, global assessment of functioning scores, and hospitalization duration were observed between diagnostic groups (<em>p</em> < .05). Personality, Oppositional Defiant, and Trauma and Stress-related Disorders showed higher ARFIL diversity and intensity scores compared to other diagnoses, highlighting the distinct influence of at-risk family dynamics in addition to formal abuse or neglect. All diagnoses exhibited a specific set of associations but mood and psychotic disorders.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Distinct maltreatment and at-risk family interaction profiles were associated with specific diagnoses. Assessing both maltreatment and family dynamics enhances understanding of patient environments and provides targeted therapeutic insights.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107871"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146024008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107899
Paul Wyles , Patrick O'Leary , Mentka Tsantefski , Amy Young
Background
Institutional child sexual abuse has come to public attention in recent decades due to persistent advocacy by victim/survivors and their supporters. Disclosure is often a critical step, and victim/survivors' lived experience is central to informing policy and practice.
Objective
We studied the narratives of male victim/survivors who spoke with the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Royal Commission) to understand the experience of their abuse over their life course.
Participants and setting
De-identified narratives of 412 male victim/survivors from four institutional types – armed forces, religious, sport and recreation, and youth detention - where abuse occurred in the 1970s and 1980s – were reviewed, coded and analysed.
Methods
A qualitative content analysis approach allowed for an examination of the data. Inductive coding was the method used to develop categories from the data – survivor narratives – emerging from the Royal Commission.
Results
Survivor narrative comments were grouped into three categories: (1) the abuse; (2) reporting/not reporting the abuse; and (3) the institutions. This article focuses on the analysis of the second category, finding several reasons for victim/survivors not talking about their abuse at the time, primarily that they would not be believed, concerns about their parents' possible responses, and threats from perpetrators. Frequently, victim/survivors adopted a strategy of shut it down/shut it out.
Conclusions
Victim/survivors who spoke about their abuse following the event commonly reported negative responses. Implications particularly with respect to understanding and responding to disclosure are discussed, as are strengths and limitations of this research.
{"title":"Male victim/survivors' experiences of disclosing institutional child sexual abuse","authors":"Paul Wyles , Patrick O'Leary , Mentka Tsantefski , Amy Young","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107899","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107899","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Institutional child sexual abuse has come to public attention in recent decades due to persistent advocacy by victim/survivors and their supporters. Disclosure is often a critical step, and victim/survivors' lived experience is central to informing policy and practice.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We studied the narratives of male victim/survivors who spoke with the Australian Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse (Royal Commission) to understand the experience of their abuse over their life course.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>De-identified narratives of 412 male victim/survivors from four institutional types – armed forces, religious, sport and recreation, and youth detention - where abuse occurred in the 1970s and 1980s – were reviewed, coded and analysed.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative content analysis approach allowed for an examination of the data. Inductive coding was the method used to develop categories from the data – survivor narratives – emerging from the Royal Commission.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Survivor narrative comments were grouped into three categories: (1) <em>the abuse</em>; (2) <em>reporting/not reporting the abuse</em>; and (3) <em>the institutions.</em> This article focuses on the analysis of the second category, finding several reasons for victim/survivors not talking about their abuse at the time, primarily that they would not be believed, concerns about their parents' possible responses, and threats from perpetrators. Frequently, victim/survivors adopted a strategy of <em>shut it down/shut it out</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Victim/survivors who spoke about their abuse following the event commonly reported negative responses. Implications particularly with respect to understanding and responding to disclosure are discussed, as are strengths and limitations of this research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107899"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"心理学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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