Core Symptoms Between Adolescent Psychological Abuse-Neglect and Impulsiveness: A Network Analysis

Psychological abuse and neglect are considered fundamental to the development of impulsiveness. However, the interplay between psychological abuse-neglect symptoms and impulsiveness dimensions remains unclear, especially during adolescence, a critical developmental stage. This study uses network analysis to explore the link between adolescent psychological abuse-neglect and impulsivity, aiming to inform targeted early interventions and treatment strategies for impulsive behaviors.

Cluster sampling was used to gather demographic data from 6731 students across 17 middle schools. Clinical assessments utilized the Chinese Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and Child Psychological Abuse and Neglect Scale (CPANS). Network analysis explored associations between the six CPANS components and three impulsiveness dimensions. Centrality indices and stability indicators were calculated.

In the study population, 47.4% were female, and 68.4% were middle school students. Scolding (4.0 [1.0, 7.0]) scored highest in abuse, while Emotional Neglect (6.0 [2.0, 12.0]) scored highest in neglect. Among impulsive types, Non-planning Impulsiveness (47.5 [32.5, 60.0]) ranked highest. Emotional Neglect emerged as the central node in the network, with the greatest strength, closeness, and influence, while Non-planning Impulsiveness showed the highest correlation with centrality. All centrality indices had Correlation Stability (CS) coefficients of 0.75, with narrow 95% confidence intervals for edge weights.

This study underscores the central role of emotional neglect in the development of impulsive traits in adolescents. Network analysis revealed that emotional neglect serves as a critical link between abuse-neglect and impulsivity, with non-planning impulsivity acting as a key mediator. The results emphasize the need for comprehensive interventions, as well as addressing the impact of early traumatic experiences.

The study was registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=134138, registration number: ChiCTR2100052297, date of registration: 24 October 2021.