Examining age of onset of health risk behaviors as a mediator in the relationship between child maltreatment and psychosocial outcomes in middle adulthood

Background: Prior research has documented the wide-ranging and severe effects of child abuse and neglect across the lifespan. In particular, maltreatment has been linked to a number of health risk behaviors that are associated with long-lasting maladaptive psychosocial outcomes. However, it is not yet known whether the age of onset of these health risk behaviors acts as a conduit for later maladjustment for victims of abuse or neglect or increases risk. To fill this gap in knowledge, this study examines the mediating role of age of onset of five health risk behaviors – sexual intercourse, alcohol use, drug use, homelessness, and criminal behavior – in the relationship between abuse/neglect and psychosocial outcomes in middle adulthood.
Source: Comprehensive Psychiatry - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research