Intergenerational continuity of multidimensional patterns of child maltreatment exposure: A person-centered approach

One of the most devastating and costly consequences of CM is that it persists across generations. Yet, we know little about whether there is intergenerational continuity of diverse dimensions of CM exposure (e.g., chronicity, multi-subtype) or unique patterns of exposure. This is a critical gap, given evidence that different forms of CM confer unique consequences. To enhance our understanding of intergenerational continuity of CM, the current study applied a multidimensional framework to be the first to investigate whether unique forms of CM exposure (characterized by the subtypes and whether multi-type exposure occurred) exhibited homotypic/heterotypic patterns of intergenerational continuity. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify patterns of CM exposure in mothers and their offspring (aged 8-13) who were part of a high-risk, economically disadvantaged sample of maltreated and nonmaltreated youth (N = 1240). Four distinct classes of CM exposure were identified in both mothers ("Single-Subtype without Sexual Abuse"; "Sexual Abuse", "Multi-Subtype Exposure"; and "No Maltreatment") and offspring ("No Maltreatment"; "Single Type-Neglect"; "Single Type-Abuse"; and "Chronic, Multi-type"). Patterns of homotypic and heterotypic intergenerational continuity were identified, with a pattern of multi-type exposure emerging as an enduring form of exposure across generations. Implications for preventive interventions are discussed. Intergenerational continuity of multidimensional patterns of child maltreatment exposure: A person-centered approach.