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: 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107876
Zurong Liang , Boxuan Song , Yetong Xiang , Qiang Li
Background
While growing evidence links Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to mental health disparities among sexual minorities, the mechanisms underlying this relationship, particularly in Chinese context, remain insufficiently understood. The intersection of ACEs, cultural values, and internalized stigma among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) represents a critical, yet underexplored, area of investigation.
Objective
This study aimed to examine the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms among Chinese MSM, focusing on the serial mediating effects of filial piety (pragmatic obligations and compassionate reverence) and internalized homophobia.
Participants and setting
Participants were recruited between October 2023 and May 2024 from a gay-friendly NGO in Zhejiang Province, China, with 1085 MSM completing a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire after screening for eligibility.
Methods
Serial mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS macro model 80 with bootstrapping procedures to test direct and indirect effects.
Results
The study confirmed the significant total effect of ACEs on depressive symptoms (b = 0.8327, p < 0.001). Analysis revealed distinct mediating pathways through compassionate reverence (β = 0.0696, 95% CI [0.0222, 0.1238]) and internalized homophobia (β = 0.0622, 95% CI [0.0288, 0.1039]). A significant negative serial mediation effect was observed through pragmatic obligations and internalized homophobia (β = −0.0177, 95% CI [−0.0311, −0.0079]), revealing the complex role of cultural values in mental health outcomes.
Conclusions
These findings emphasize the complex interplay between ACEs, cultural values, and sexual identity in shaping mental health outcomes among Chinese MSM. They suggest the need for culturally sensitive interventions that address both traditional values and sexual identity concerns.
{"title":"Unpacking the link between adverse childhood experiences and mental health disparities among Chinese men who have sex with men: The mediating role of filial piety and internalized homophobia","authors":"Zurong Liang , Boxuan Song , Yetong Xiang , Qiang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107876","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107876","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>While growing evidence links Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) to mental health disparities among sexual minorities, the mechanisms underlying this relationship, particularly in Chinese context, remain insufficiently understood. The intersection of ACEs, cultural values, and internalized stigma among Chinese men who have sex with men (MSM) represents a critical, yet underexplored, area of investigation.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to examine the relationship between ACEs and depressive symptoms among Chinese MSM, focusing on the serial mediating effects of filial piety (pragmatic obligations and compassionate reverence) and internalized homophobia.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>Participants were recruited between October 2023 and May 2024 from a gay-friendly NGO in Zhejiang Province, China, with 1085 MSM completing a self-administered, anonymous questionnaire after screening for eligibility.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Serial mediation analyses were conducted using PROCESS macro model 80 with bootstrapping procedures to test direct and indirect effects.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study confirmed the significant total effect of ACEs on depressive symptoms (b = 0.8327, p < 0.001). Analysis revealed distinct mediating pathways through compassionate reverence (β = 0.0696, 95% CI [0.0222, 0.1238]) and internalized homophobia (β = 0.0622, 95% CI [0.0288, 0.1039]). A significant negative serial mediation effect was observed through pragmatic obligations and internalized homophobia (β = −0.0177, 95% CI [−0.0311, −0.0079]), revealing the complex role of cultural values in mental health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings emphasize the complex interplay between ACEs, cultural values, and sexual identity in shaping mental health outcomes among Chinese MSM. They suggest the need for culturally sensitive interventions that address both traditional values and sexual identity concerns.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107876"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146013160","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.2026.107890
Liwen Liao , Yaling Jian , Jiu-Ju Li , Dan-Ning Zhang , Wanqiu Meng , Zhongying Shi , Lin Wang , Li Li
Background and aim
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly raise the risk of non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) in adolescents with mental illnesses. However, the mechanism through which ACEs affect NSSI remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the mechanisms that influence the relationship between types of ACEs, violence exposure, and NSSI and explore the mediating role of positive coping strategies.
Method
A multi-center, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in eight provinces in China, involving 2052 adolescents with mental illness. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Simplified Coping Styles Questionnaire, and the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Screening Scale were utilized for data collection. All data analyses were performed using R version 4.4.2.
Results
A survey of adolescents found that 83.8% had experienced at least one ACE. The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury among these adolescents was 67.9%. All types of exposure to ACEs increased the likelihood of NSSI among adolescents with mental illness (aOR: 1.409–3.007). Types of violence-related ACEs demonstrated a cumulative effect (aOR: 3.494, 6.246). Positive coping strategies mediate the relationship between ACEs and NSSI (aOR: 1.017–1.039).
Conclusion
Exposure to ACEs increases the likelihood of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in adolescents with mental illness. In particular, it is important to focus on the effects of bullying, emotional neglect, and domestic violence. Developing and employing positive coping strategies can effectively lower the risk of NSSI in adolescents facing mental health challenges. Early screening for adolescents who have experienced ACEs, along with targeted psychological crisis intervention, are future initiatives.
{"title":"Effect on adverse childhood experiences and non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with mental illness: The mediation effect of coping styles","authors":"Liwen Liao , Yaling Jian , Jiu-Ju Li , Dan-Ning Zhang , Wanqiu Meng , Zhongying Shi , Lin Wang , Li Li","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107890","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107890","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background and aim</h3><div>Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly raise the risk of non-suicidal self-injurious (NSSI) in adolescents with mental illnesses. However, the mechanism through which ACEs affect NSSI remains unclear. This study aims to clarify the mechanisms that influence the relationship between types of ACEs, violence exposure, and NSSI and explore the mediating role of positive coping strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A multi-center, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in eight provinces in China, involving 2052 adolescents with mental illness. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire, the Simplified Coping Styles Questionnaire, and the Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Screening Scale were utilized for data collection. All data analyses were performed using R version 4.4.2.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A survey of adolescents found that 83.8% had experienced at least one ACE. The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury among these adolescents was 67.9%. All types of exposure to ACEs increased the likelihood of NSSI among adolescents with mental illness (a<em>OR</em>: 1.409–3.007). Types of violence-related ACEs demonstrated a cumulative effect (a<em>OR</em>: 3.494, 6.246). Positive coping strategies mediate the relationship between ACEs and NSSI (a<em>OR</em>: 1.017–1.039).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Exposure to ACEs increases the likelihood of non-suicidal self-injurious behavior in adolescents with mental illness. In particular, it is important to focus on the effects of bullying, emotional neglect, and domestic violence. Developing and employing positive coping strategies can effectively lower the risk of NSSI in adolescents facing mental health challenges. Early screening for adolescents who have experienced ACEs, along with targeted psychological crisis intervention, are future initiatives.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107890"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146121128","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.2026.107919
Jennifer E. Khoury , Michelle Nguyen , Natalie Baker , Lauren Giles , Tanya Tulipan , Marsha Campbell-Yeo , Victoria M. Allen , Tara Perrot
Background
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with an elevated risk of experiencing psychological problems, particularly during the perinatal period. Maternal history of CM is also associated with disruptions to offspring socioemotional development. One potential pathway through which maternal CM contributes to offspring socioemotional development is through maternal mental health.
Objective
The present study explored how maternal CM is associated with infant socioemotional development through maternal mental health, both during pregnancy and postpartum.
Participants and setting
Participants (n = 128) completed study sessions during their third trimester of pregnancy, at 2 weeks postpartum, and 6 months postpartum.
Methods
Participants reported history of CM and current levels of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and borderline personality features during pregnancy and at 2 weeks postpartum, and infant socioemotional development at 6 months.
Results
A structural equation serial mediation model indicated that (1) maternal CM severity was associated with mental health symptoms in pregnancy (β = 0.324, 95% CI [0.031, 0.165]), but not postpartum (ß = −0.107, 95% CI [−0.087, 0.025]), (2) pregnancy mental health symptoms predicted postpartum mental health symptoms (β = 0.536, 95% CI [0.270, 0.617]), which predicted offspring socioemotional development (β = 0.515, 95% CI [1.203, 3.546]), and (3) the serial indirect effect bridging maternal CM and infant socioemotional development was significant (β = 0.089, 95% CI [0.019, 0.242]), but specific indirect effects through pregnancy and postpartum mental health symptoms were not significant.
Conclusions
We conclude that maternal CM is associated with offspring socioemotional development through a temporal chain, where maternal mental health symptoms in pregnancy increase risk for postpartum mental health symptoms.
{"title":"Linking maternal childhood maltreatment to infant socioemotional development through perinatal mental health","authors":"Jennifer E. Khoury , Michelle Nguyen , Natalie Baker , Lauren Giles , Tanya Tulipan , Marsha Campbell-Yeo , Victoria M. Allen , Tara Perrot","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107919","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107919","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with an elevated risk of experiencing psychological problems, particularly during the perinatal period. Maternal history of CM is also associated with disruptions to offspring socioemotional development. One potential pathway through which maternal CM contributes to offspring socioemotional development is through maternal mental health.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The present study explored how maternal CM is associated with infant socioemotional development through maternal mental health, both during pregnancy and postpartum.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>Participants (<em>n</em> = 128) completed study sessions during their third trimester of pregnancy, at 2 weeks postpartum, and 6 months postpartum.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Participants reported history of CM and current levels of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and borderline personality features during pregnancy and at 2 weeks postpartum, and infant socioemotional development at 6 months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A structural equation serial mediation model indicated that (1) maternal CM severity was associated with mental health symptoms in pregnancy (β = 0.324, 95% CI [0.031, 0.165]), but not postpartum (ß = −0.107, 95% CI [−0.087, 0.025]), (2) pregnancy mental health symptoms predicted postpartum mental health symptoms (β = 0.536, 95% CI [0.270, 0.617]), which predicted offspring socioemotional development (β = 0.515, 95% CI [1.203, 3.546]), and (3) the serial indirect effect bridging maternal CM and infant socioemotional development was significant (β = 0.089, 95% CI [0.019, 0.242]), but specific indirect effects through pregnancy and postpartum mental health symptoms were not significant.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>We conclude that maternal CM is associated with offspring socioemotional development through a temporal chain, where maternal mental health symptoms in pregnancy increase risk for postpartum mental health symptoms.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107919"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146023941","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: 2026-02-07DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107935
Lisa Thomsen, James Ogilvie, John Rynne, Danielle Arlanda Harris, Yolonda Adams, Timea Molnar
Background
Youths who engage in harmful sexual behaviours (HSBs) have often experienced childhood adversity and psychosocial health problems. Greater understanding of how developmental risks cluster together and/or differ within this heterogeneous population is needed.
Objective
This research aimed to further knowledge of the aetiology and treatment needs of youths with HSBs by identifying typological differences based on co-occurrence of developmental risk factors, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).
Participants and setting
Data was derived from clinician case files of 386 Australian male youths receiving specialised treatment following adjudication for sexual offences.
Methods
Latent class analysis was used to determined risk-factor based typologies. Differences in offence characteristics across classes were examined using Chi-square tests and ANOVA.
Results
Four distinct profiles of young males with HSBs were identified: Limited Risk, Socially Excluded, Antisocial, and High Adversity. Characteristics of sexual harm, including offence setting, and victim age and sex, differed across these classes.
Conclusions
Findings suggest differential pathways to youth HSB, and have relevance for informing intervention efforts, to ensure responses meet the varying needs of young people.
{"title":"Identifying typologies of adverse experiences and psychosocial functioning for youth who sexually harm","authors":"Lisa Thomsen, James Ogilvie, John Rynne, Danielle Arlanda Harris, Yolonda Adams, Timea Molnar","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107935","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107935","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Youths who engage in harmful sexual behaviours (HSBs) have often experienced childhood adversity and psychosocial health problems. Greater understanding of how developmental risks cluster together and/or differ within this heterogeneous population is needed.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This research aimed to further knowledge of the aetiology and treatment needs of youths with HSBs by identifying typological differences based on co-occurrence of developmental risk factors, including adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>Data was derived from clinician case files of 386 Australian male youths receiving specialised treatment following adjudication for sexual offences.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Latent class analysis was used to determined risk-factor based typologies. Differences in offence characteristics across classes were examined using Chi-square tests and ANOVA.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Four distinct profiles of young males with HSBs were identified: Limited Risk, Socially Excluded, Antisocial, and High Adversity. Characteristics of sexual harm, including offence setting, and victim age and sex, differed across these classes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Findings suggest differential pathways to youth HSB, and have relevance for informing intervention efforts, to ensure responses meet the varying needs of young people.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107935"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146144497","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: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107889
Yongmin Shin , Jungkyu Park , Hyo Shin Kang , Hyeseon Jo , Bin-Na Kim
Background
Child maltreatment (CM) often results in the co-occurrence of depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether the symptom relationships and putative directionality of these symptoms vary according to CM subtype.
Objective
This study examined the symptom network and potential directionality of depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms in physically abused, emotionally abused, and neglected children in South Korea.
Participants and setting
From a nationwide repository, we analyzed cross-sectional data of 3384 children officially identified as victims of CM by a child protection agency.
Methods
For each CM subtype, Gaussian graphical models identified central and bridge symptoms, whereas directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) analyses inferred directionality among depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms.
Results
Anger-related symptoms were the most common across CM subtypes. Negative self-concept symptoms were the most central symptoms in the physical and emotional abuse networks, whereas depressive mood and negative interpersonal feedback were the key symptoms in the neglect network. Irritability consistently served as a key bridge symptom linking the two symptom clusters. Negative interpersonal feedback was also a significant bridge between emotional abuse and neglect network symptoms. DAG analyses revealed the subtype-specific putative directionality of comorbidities.
Conclusion
CM subtype distinctly shaped the interrelations and directionality of depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms. Interventions targeting identified central and bridging symptoms may improve tailored treatment approaches.
{"title":"Exploring the relationship between depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms across child maltreatment subtypes: A network analysis approach","authors":"Yongmin Shin , Jungkyu Park , Hyo Shin Kang , Hyeseon Jo , Bin-Na Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107889","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107889","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Child maltreatment (CM) often results in the co-occurrence of depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms. However, it remains unclear whether the symptom relationships and putative directionality of these symptoms vary according to CM subtype.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examined the symptom network and potential directionality of depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms in physically abused, emotionally abused, and neglected children in South Korea.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>From a nationwide repository, we analyzed cross-sectional data of 3384 children officially identified as victims of CM by a child protection agency.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>For each CM subtype, Gaussian graphical models identified central and bridge symptoms, whereas directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) analyses inferred directionality among depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Anger-related symptoms were the most common across CM subtypes. Negative self-concept symptoms were the most central symptoms in the physical and emotional abuse networks, whereas depressive mood and negative interpersonal feedback were the key symptoms in the neglect network. Irritability consistently served as a key bridge symptom linking the two symptom clusters. Negative interpersonal feedback was also a significant bridge between emotional abuse and neglect network symptoms. DAG analyses revealed the subtype-specific putative directionality of comorbidities.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>CM subtype distinctly shaped the interrelations and directionality of depressive and aggressive-defiant symptoms. Interventions targeting identified central and bridging symptoms may improve tailored treatment approaches.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107889"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967773","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: 2026-01-08DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107879
Qinglu Wu , Nan Zhou , Hongjian Cao
Background
Associations between childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) and psychological distress (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms) have been widely demonstrated. However, the underlying mechanisms for such associations involving adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation (ER) strategies are still underexplored.
Objectives
Based on the Emotion Regulation Theory, the present study investigated the potential mediating roles of the avoidance-based (i.e., worry) and the acceptance-based (i.e., self-compassion) ER strategies in the associations of two types of CEM (threat: emotional abuse; deprivation: emotional neglect) with depressive and anxiety symptoms and the potential moderating role of self-compassion in such associations.
Methods
Three-wave, self-report survey data were collected from 668 Chinese college students (66.8 % female, Mage = 19.96 years old, SD = 1.25) with a 6-month between-wave interval.
Results
Childhood emotional abuse was positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms through increased worry. Self-compassion moderated the associations of worry with depressive and anxiety symptoms and these positive associations were identified only when self-compassion was low. Further, the indirect pathways from emotional abuse to depressive and anxiety symptoms through increased worry were significant only when self-compassion was low. No medaiting effects involving emotional neglect or self-compassion were identified.
Conclusions
Cognitive avoidance-based ER strategy served as a mediator to transmit the deterimental effect of early emotional abuse on later mental health, whereas acceptance-based ER strategy moderated the negative effect. Accordingly, interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress among individuals with experiences of childhood emotional abuse should consider incoporating components that enhacne self-compassion and reduce worry.
{"title":"Childhood emotional maltreatment predicts subsequent psychological distress in emerging adulthood through increased worry: Resilience conferred by self-compassion","authors":"Qinglu Wu , Nan Zhou , Hongjian Cao","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107879","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107879","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Associations between childhood emotional maltreatment (CEM) and psychological distress (e.g., depressive and anxiety symptoms) have been widely demonstrated. However, the underlying mechanisms for such associations involving adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation (ER) strategies are still underexplored.</div></div><div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>Based on the Emotion Regulation Theory, the present study investigated the potential mediating roles of the avoidance-based (i.e., worry) and the acceptance-based (i.e., self-compassion) ER strategies in the associations of two types of CEM (threat: emotional abuse; deprivation: emotional neglect) with depressive and anxiety symptoms and the potential moderating role of self-compassion in such associations.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Three-wave, self-report survey data were collected from 668 Chinese college students (66.8 % female, <em>M</em><sub>age</sub> = 19.96 years old, <em>SD</em> = 1.25) with a 6-month between-wave interval.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Childhood emotional abuse was positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms through increased worry. Self-compassion moderated the associations of worry with depressive and anxiety symptoms and these positive associations were identified only when self-compassion was low. Further, the indirect pathways from emotional abuse to depressive and anxiety symptoms through increased worry were significant only when self-compassion was low. No medaiting effects involving emotional neglect or self-compassion were identified.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Cognitive avoidance-based ER strategy served as a mediator to transmit the deterimental effect of early emotional abuse on later mental health, whereas acceptance-based ER strategy moderated the negative effect. Accordingly, interventions aimed at reducing psychological distress among individuals with experiences of childhood emotional abuse should consider incoporating components that enhacne self-compassion and reduce worry.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107879"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145908675","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: 2026-02-10DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107941
Fan Yang , Robbie Duschinsky , Laura Mucha , Fabienee Dos Santos Sousa , Matt Woolgar , Tessa Morgan , Nicole Marshall , Julia Mannes , Dihini Pilimatalawwe , Anna Moore , Barry Coughlan
Background
Early exposure to risk and adversity is a potent predictor of mental health difficulties. Though risks vary by gender, little attention was paid towards the associations both within risks and of risks across genders.
Objective
We sought to identify networks of a wider range of risks (experiences and behaviors that might threaten the person's wellbeing and safety before the age of 18 years). And we aimed to have a better understanding of the specific risk configurations across genders and to develop potential clinical interventions.
Participants and setting
This study explores network structures of early risks among 45,210 children and adolescents (aged 5 to 18) from longitudinal data in the UK.
Methods
Network analysis was applied to investigate the associations among risks and to identify the central risks across genders.
Results
Stable connections across genders in different assessments of risks (e.g., risks of self-harm and suicide). Risks related to violence could be core risks in all networks. Some gender differences in the context of early risks are also identified. For example, substance misuse and exhibiting violent or offending behavior are more closely associated among the male children that took the Brief Risk Assessment.
Conclusions
Gendered associations between risks could be of value for both intervention and prevention. More attention should be paid to risks related to violence in clinical practice and policy making. Future study could record risks more precisely, utilize data from multiple time points and take more social-demographic factors into consideration to obtain integrated and comprehensive results.
{"title":"Gendered risks to children and adolescents assessed by Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS): Perspectives from network analysis","authors":"Fan Yang , Robbie Duschinsky , Laura Mucha , Fabienee Dos Santos Sousa , Matt Woolgar , Tessa Morgan , Nicole Marshall , Julia Mannes , Dihini Pilimatalawwe , Anna Moore , Barry Coughlan","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107941","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107941","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Early exposure to risk and adversity is a potent predictor of mental health difficulties. Though risks vary by gender, little attention was paid towards the associations both within risks and of risks across genders.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>We sought to identify networks of a wider range of risks (experiences and behaviors that might threaten the person's wellbeing and safety before the age of 18 years). And we aimed to have a better understanding of the specific risk configurations across genders and to develop potential clinical interventions.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>This study explores network structures of early risks among 45,210 children and adolescents (aged 5 to 18) from longitudinal data in the UK.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Network analysis was applied to investigate the associations among risks and to identify the central risks across genders.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Stable connections across genders in different assessments of risks (e.g., risks of self-harm and suicide). Risks related to violence could be core risks in all networks. Some gender differences in the context of early risks are also identified. For example, substance misuse and exhibiting violent or offending behavior are more closely associated among the male children that took the Brief Risk Assessment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Gendered associations between risks could be of value for both intervention and prevention. More attention should be paid to risks related to violence in clinical practice and policy making. Future study could record risks more precisely, utilize data from multiple time points and take more social-demographic factors into consideration to obtain integrated and comprehensive results.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107941"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146167699","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: 2026-01-12DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107878
Anniina Kaittila , Sonja Tihveräinen , Outi Kekkonen , Johanna Hietamäki , Suvi Nipuli , Sisko Piippo , Hanna Mielismäki , Annamari Kangas-Kalinen , Elli Hyväri , Leo Nyqvist , Marita Husso
Background
Digital technologies have transformed and diversified acts of domestic violence, enabling abusers to harass, monitor, isolate, and control their partners across time and space. Children, though not their primary targets, are also deeply affected and often exploited in technology-facilitated violence (TFV).
Objective
This study examines children's involvement in TFV through data from two research projects.
Participants and setting
The first dataset consisted of a survey exploring shelter employees' perceptions of the digital violence experienced by their clients. A total of 53 respondents described themes relevant to this study. The second dataset comprised four focus group interviews with 15 support service professionals from eight organizations with specialized expertise in TFV.
Methods
The data from the study were analyzed using a data-driven thematic analysis.
Results
The results indicate that abusers use various tactics to exploit children, their devices, or information related to them in a technological manner to harm the child's parent. The forms of abuse observed in this study included 1) pressuring the child to become an active agent, 2) stalking by children's devices, 3) threatening, accusing, and scaring with child-related matters, and 4) undermining the child–parent relationship.
Conclusion
Professionals working with families must be trained to identify and respond to TFV, ensuring the safety of both parents and children. Structured screening tools that include TFV-related items can support the identification of children's experiences and inform practices across legal, health, and child protection settings. Importantly, assessments of adult victims or abusers should also include questions about children's involvement.
{"title":"Children's involvement in technology-facilitated violence (TFV) in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV): Experiences of professionals working with victims of violence in Finland","authors":"Anniina Kaittila , Sonja Tihveräinen , Outi Kekkonen , Johanna Hietamäki , Suvi Nipuli , Sisko Piippo , Hanna Mielismäki , Annamari Kangas-Kalinen , Elli Hyväri , Leo Nyqvist , Marita Husso","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107878","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2025.107878","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Digital technologies have transformed and diversified acts of domestic violence, enabling abusers to harass, monitor, isolate, and control their partners across time and space. Children, though not their primary targets, are also deeply affected and often exploited in technology-facilitated violence (TFV).</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study examines children's involvement in TFV through data from two research projects.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>The first dataset consisted of a survey exploring shelter employees' perceptions of the digital violence experienced by their clients. A total of 53 respondents described themes relevant to this study. The second dataset comprised four focus group interviews with 15 support service professionals from eight organizations with specialized expertise in TFV.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The data from the study were analyzed using a data-driven thematic analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The results indicate that abusers use various tactics to exploit children, their devices, or information related to them in a technological manner to harm the child's parent. The forms of abuse observed in this study included 1) pressuring the child to become an active agent, 2) stalking by children's devices, 3) threatening, accusing, and scaring with child-related matters, and 4) undermining the child–parent relationship.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Professionals working with families must be trained to identify and respond to TFV, ensuring the safety of both parents and children. Structured screening tools that include TFV-related items can support the identification of children's experiences and inform practices across legal, health, and child protection settings. Importantly, assessments of adult victims or abusers should also include questions about children's involvement.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107878"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145967782","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: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107928
Qiuyu Tang , Yue Xu , Jiaxi Gong , Xiaoqi Sun
Background
Social adversity is recognized as a risk factor for paranoia. However, few studies have examined multiple forms of social adversities experienced by adolescents while differentiating their unique associations with paranoia. Furthermore, the interaction between social adversities and their potential influence on paranoia remains unclear.
Objective
To investigate the interactions among histories of child maltreatment, concurrent social adversities, and paranoia, and to explore the potential directions of these relationships.
Participants and setting
A valid sample of 1643 Chinese adolescents aged 13–18 (50.0% female) was recruited at baseline, of whom 1077 were reassessed after 5–6 months.
Methods
Self-reported experiences of child maltreatment, bullying victimization, and adverse life events, along with levels of paranoia, were evaluated. Regularized partial correlation networks (RPCNs) and directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) were constructed at each time point.
Results
At both time points, paranoia was located at the center of the RPCNs, connecting different clusters of adversities, and possessed the highest closeness, betweenness, and bridge centralities. Moreover, paranoia was most closely linked with relational and verbal bullying and relationship pressure. The DAGs further indicated that relational and verbal bullying and relationship pressure might predict paranoia, which in turn links to other adverse experiences.
Conclusion
Our findings support the conceptualization of paranoia as an interpersonal construct that influences and is influenced by social interactions (particularly adversities characterized by negative judgments and rejection). Interventions should focus on enhancing interpersonal functioning and alleviating threat beliefs to disrupt the vicious cycle between paranoia and social adversities.
{"title":"Interactions between social adversities and paranoia among Chinese adolescents: An investigation using network approaches","authors":"Qiuyu Tang , Yue Xu , Jiaxi Gong , Xiaoqi Sun","doi":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107928","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.107928","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Social adversity is recognized as a risk factor for paranoia. However, few studies have examined multiple forms of social adversities experienced by adolescents while differentiating their unique associations with paranoia. Furthermore, the interaction between social adversities and their potential influence on paranoia remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>To investigate the interactions among histories of child maltreatment, concurrent social adversities, and paranoia, and to explore the potential directions of these relationships.</div></div><div><h3>Participants and setting</h3><div>A valid sample of 1643 Chinese adolescents aged 13–18 (50.0% female) was recruited at baseline, of whom 1077 were reassessed after 5–6 months.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Self-reported experiences of child maltreatment, bullying victimization, and adverse life events, along with levels of paranoia, were evaluated. Regularized partial correlation networks (RPCNs) and directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) were constructed at each time point.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At both time points, paranoia was located at the center of the RPCNs, connecting different clusters of adversities, and possessed the highest closeness, betweenness, and bridge centralities. Moreover, paranoia was most closely linked with relational and verbal bullying and relationship pressure. The DAGs further indicated that relational and verbal bullying and relationship pressure might predict paranoia, which in turn links to other adverse experiences.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Our findings support the conceptualization of paranoia as an interpersonal construct that influences and is influenced by social interactions (particularly adversities characterized by negative judgments and rejection). Interventions should focus on enhancing interpersonal functioning and alleviating threat beliefs to disrupt the vicious cycle between paranoia and social adversities.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":51343,"journal":{"name":"Child Abuse & Neglect","volume":"173 ","pages":"Article 107928"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146079202","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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