Understanding the Heterogeneity of Maltreatment Effect: the Role of Temperamental Sensitivity

Despite the impact of maltreatment on child psychopathology, research has shown that the effects of maltreatment can vary depending on individual characteristics. Guided by differential susceptibility theory, this multi-method longitudinal study examined the role of temperamental sensitivity in shaping the relation between maltreatment and the development of child psychopathology over time. Participants included 316 maltreated and 269 non-maltreated children who attended a research summer camp and were followed over two measurement occasions spaced roughly one year apart (Wave 1: M_age = 9.35 years old; 47.1% girls, 66.7% Black, 21.1% White). Maltreatment status and timing were determined via examination of Department of Human Services records for the maltreated group. Camp counselors rated temperamental sensitivity at the first wave using the Temperamental Sensitivity Q-scale. Child internalizing and externalizing problems were rated by counselors at both measurement occasions. Findings indicated that maltreatment, whether measured broadly or by developmental timing (reflecting early onset and prolonged exposure), was linked to greater increases in externalizing problems over time. Greater temperamental sensitivity was associated with greater decreases in externalizing problems but greater increases in internalizing problems. The relation between childhood maltreatment and changes in internalizing problems was moderated by temperamental sensitivity. While children with high temperamental sensitivity showed higher increases in internalizing problems regardless of maltreatment experiences, children with lower temperamental sensitivity exhibited greater increases in internalizing problems only if exposed to childhood maltreatment. These findings highlight the role of temperamental sensitivity in high-risk contexts and provide a more nuanced understanding of the impact of childhood maltreatment.