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Childhood Maltreatment and Impulsivity: A Meta-Analysis and Recommendations for Future Study
1Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 1011 Veterans Memorial Parkway, East Providence, RI, 02915, USA. rtliupsych@gmail.com.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|May 31, 2018
Summary
Childhood maltreatment is linked to higher general trait impulsivity, particularly emotional abuse. However, the connection to lab-measured impulsive behaviors is weak, requiring cautious interpretation due to study limitations.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Childhood maltreatment and impulsivity are significant public health concerns.
- Understanding their relationship is crucial for developing effective interventions.
- Previous research suggests a link, but a comprehensive synthesis is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the empirical literature on childhood maltreatment and impulsivity.
- To quantify the association between childhood maltreatment subtypes and general trait impulsivity.
- To examine the relationship between childhood maltreatment and laboratory-based measures of impulsive behavior.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search and meta-analysis.
- Inclusion of 55 eligible empirical studies.
- Calculation of pooled effect sizes for different maltreatment subtypes and impulsivity measures.
Main Results:
- A positive association was found between childhood maltreatment and general trait impulsivity.
- Effect sizes ranged from small (sexual abuse, OR=1.59) to medium-to-large (emotional abuse, OR=3.10).
- Limited support exists for a link between childhood maltreatment and laboratory-based impulsive behaviors.
Conclusions:
- Childhood maltreatment, especially emotional abuse, is associated with higher trait impulsivity.
- Methodological limitations in current research necessitate cautious interpretation.
- Future research should address these limitations to clarify the maltreatment-impulsivity link.
