Pathways from child maltreatment to internalizing problems: perceptions of control as mediators and moderators

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Child maltreatment is a significant public health concern with lasting developmental consequences.
• Internalizing problems (e.g., anxiety, depression) and perceptions of control are key developmental outcomes.
• Understanding the interplay between specific maltreatment types, control beliefs, and internalizing problems is crucial for intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the longitudinal associations between specific types of child maltreatment (neglect, harsh parenting, sexual abuse) and internalizing problems.
• To investigate the mediating role of perceived control (both internal and external) in the relationship between maltreatment and internalizing problems.
• To explore perceived internal control as a potential protective factor against the negative effects of maltreatment.

Main Methods:

• Prospective longitudinal study with a community sample of 785 children (59 maltreated).
• Annual self-report measures of internalizing problems and perceptions of control from 3rd to 7th grade (ages 9-13).
• Maltreatment types assessed via social service records using a standard coding system.

Main Results:

• Neglect and sexual abuse were independently associated with increased internalizing problems, with a stronger effect for co-occurring neglect and sexual abuse.
• Children experiencing neglect reported higher perceived external control; sexual abuse was linked to higher perceived external control only when co-occurring with neglect.
• Perceived external control significantly mediated the association between maltreatment types and internalizing problems.
• Among maltreated children, higher perceived internal control predicted fewer internalizing problems, acting as a protective factor.

Conclusions:

• Specific forms of child maltreatment, especially neglect and sexual abuse, contribute to internalizing problems through increased perceived external control.
• Perceived internal control demonstrates a protective effect, mitigating the impact of maltreatment on internalizing problems.
• Early life maltreatment may undermine the development of perceived internal control, diminishing protective capacities.