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Economic Outcomes Achieved in Adulthood by Those Abused or Neglected as Children :

December 22, 2016

We are aware of studies regarding the mental health issues that can result when a child has been abused or neglected—but how does this maltreatment play out as these children age and become adults?

We are aware of studies regarding the mental health issues that can result when a child has been abused or neglected—but how does this maltreatment play out as these children age and become adults? Pinto Pereira et al. (10.1542/peds.2016-1595) looked at this question in a longitudinal cohort of children born in 1958 who at the age of 50 were reexamined for their economic well-being in terms of such things as unemployment, financial insecurity, social class status and other similar indicators. 

Sadly the prevalence of psychological abuse as children in this cohort was as high as 10% with other types of abuse being present but less prevalent.  Neglect was even higher (16%) and combined, 21% of the cohort had experienced some form of child maltreatment growing up.  So did it influence their life trajectories in terms of their lifestyle and career trajectories?  

Sadly the answer is yes. The study identifies different adult outcomes as a result of abuse, neglect and a combination of both with the risk of poor life outcome increasing with the more types of maltreatment experienced.  The strongest negative life effects occur in those neglected even more than those abused---but both maltreatment behaviors have sadly affected the adulthoods of these individuals as they aged. 

To add even more meaning to what we can learn from this study that will help patients we care for now who are victims of abuse and neglect, Dr. Kristine Campbell, Tonya Myrup, and Lina Svedin, all experts on this topic, share their perspectives in an accompanying commentary (10.1542/peds.2016-3475).  The effects of child maltreatment are long-lasting and hopefully through a study and commentary like these, we can help ameliorate these effects through closer monitoring and earlier involvement of mental health services and programs that may make the outcomes in adulthood for future abused or neglected children better than they are for children born 50 years ago.  Read both the study and commentary and learn more.

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