Predictors of self-reported psychopathology in children abused repeatedly by a parent.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to test the influence of gender, type of abuse, and other factors on the development of psychopathology in abused children.

METHOD: Forty-one children who had been abused repeatedly either physically or sexually by a parent or parent figure were given the revised Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analyses showed: conduct disorder was predicted by male gender and increasing age regardless of type of abuse; post-traumatic stress disorder was predicted by number of stressors other than abuse and not by sexual abuse versus physical abuse. Predictors of somatization, psychotic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and separation anxiety also were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Gender, age, and stressors other than abuse contribute to the prediction of psychiatric disorder in abused children. Early interventions with young abused boys could help prevent development of violent behavior or conduct disorder; case work to reduce other stressors and treatments designed to reduce the impact of stressors may ameliorate developing post-traumatic stress disorders and other emotional disorders in abused children.