The Harmful Effect of Child Maltreatment on Economic Outcomes in Adulthood
Date
2018
Journal Title
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Publisher
American Journal of Public Health
Abstract
Objectives. To examine the effect of maltreatment during childhood on subsequent
financial strain during adulthood and the extent to which this effect is mediated by
adolescent depressive symptoms, adolescent substance abuse, attenuated educational
achievement, and timing of first birth.
Methods. We specified a multilevel path model to examine the developmental cascade
of child maltreatment. We used data from a longitudinal panel study of 496
parents participating in the Rochester Intergenerational Study, in Rochester, New York.
Data were collected between 1988 and 2016.
Results.Child maltreatment had both a direct and indirect (via the mediators) effect on
greater financial strain during adulthood.
Conclusions. Maltreatment has the capacity to disrupt healthy development during
adolescence and early adulthood and puts the affected individual at risk for economic
difficulties later in life. Maltreatment is a key social determinant for health and prosperity,
and initiatives to prevent maltreatment and provide mental health and social
services to victims are critical
Description
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Article
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Keywords
child abuse, long term effects, economic impact, mental health
Citation
Henry, K. L., Fulco, C. J., & Merrick, M. T. (2018). The Harmful Effect of Child Maltreatment on Economic Outcomes in Adulthood. American Journal of Public Health, 108(9), 1134-1141.