The relationship between child neglect and adolescent interpersonal functioning: A systematic review

Maternal victimization and neglected offspring: Child marriage, IPV and depression symptoms among Salar Muslim women

BACKGROUND

Child neglect is prevalent in western rural China, yet there is limited research among ethnic minority communities. The Salar, a Turkic-Muslim ethnic minority residing primarily in western China, also face this specific problem. The group is deeply influenced by ethnicity, Islam and Chinese Confucianism, which in turn makes women vulnerable to child marriage and IPV. These victimizations, coupled with various life stressors, further complicate the challenges of providing adequate care for their children.

OBJECTIVE

This study hypothesizes a relationship between child neglect and maternal child marriage, IPV victimization, and depression symptoms.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

201 married Salar women from five villages in Xunhua Salar Autonomous County, China, were randomly selected to participate in the study.

METHOD

A probability proportional to size (PPS) sampling approach was used to collect a random representative multi-stage cluster sample in 2022. Random effects Poisson regression models were used to test the hypotheses.

RESULTS

The participants reported a 65.6 % rate of child neglect and a 30.8 % rate of IPV in the past year. 37.6 % experienced child marriage. Results revealed significant associations between child neglect and child marriage, IPV, and depression symptoms. A two-way interaction between IPV and depression symptoms was strongly positively associated with child neglect.

CONCLUSIONS

This research indicates that Salar Muslim mothers who have experienced child marriage, adulthood victimization, and depression are at a higher risk of neglecting their children. The findings represent a valuable initial step toward researching and addressing the protection needs of women and children from Muslim ethnic minorities in China.

Neuroanatomical markers of social cognition in neglected adolescents

Growing up in neglectful households can impact multiple aspects of social cognition. However, research on neglect's effects on social cognition processes and their neuroanatomical correlates during adolescence is scarce. Here, we aimed to comprehensively assess social cognition processes (recognition of basic and contextual emotions, theory of mind, the experience of envy and Schadenfreude and empathy for pain) and their structural brain correlates in adolescents with legal neglect records within family-based care. First, we compared neglected adolescents (n = 27) with control participants (n = 25) on context-sensitive social cognition tasks while controlling for physical and emotional abuse and executive and intellectual functioning. Additionally, we explored the grey matter correlates of these domains through voxel-based morphometry. Compared to controls, neglected adolescents exhibited lower performance in contextual emotional recognition and theory of mind, higher levels of envy and Schadenfreude and diminished empathy. Physical and emotional abuse and executive or intellectual functioning did not explain these effects. Moreover, social cognition scores correlated with brain volumes in regions subserving social cognition and emotional processing. Our results underscore the potential impact of neglect on different aspects of social cognition during adolescence, emphasizing the necessity for preventive and intervention strategies to address these deficits in this population.

The mediating role of trait emotional intelligence in the relationship between parental neglect and cognitive emotion regulation strategies

BACKGROUND

Examining children's abilities to recognize and regulate their emotions in the context of parental neglect is of significant importance in order to comprehend the dynamics of and to support the development of emotional skills of children, particularly those at risk of neglect. From this point of view, the aim of the study was to examine the mediating role of trait emotional intelligence (trait EI) in the relationship between parental neglect and cognitive emotion regulation strategies (CERS) in children.

METHOD

The study group consisted of 265 children (135 girls and 130 boys) who were attending two separate primary schools in the city center of Antalya, Turkey. The mean age of the children was 10.27 ± 0.45. As the data gathering instruments, an "Individual Information Form" was administered to assess the socio-demographic information of the children, while the "Multidimensional Neglectful Behavior Scale-Child Report was administered to examine the level of neglect of children by the parents, the "Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Form" was administered to assess the trait emotional intelligence level, and the "Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies for Children Scale" was administered to assess the CERS of the children.

RESULT

It was found that trait EI played a full mediator role in the relationship between CERS and both maternal and paternal neglect (p < .05), except for the relationship between paternal neglect and maladaptive CERS (p > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

The results may suggest that neglected children use all emotion regulation skills, including both adaptive and maladaptive, to cope with their negative emotional experience, but may use adaptive CERS more if their trait EI is higher.

Childhood Neglect and Loneliness: The Unique Roles of Parental Figure and Child Sex

There is a well-supported link between experiences of childhood neglect and levels of loneliness in adulthood, with emotional neglect from caregivers being predictive of loneliness. However, current research has yet to explore additional, sex-linked factors that influence this relationship. This study investigates the impact of different neglect types on loneliness, with a focus on the parental figure involved and the child's sex. It was hypothesized that men who experienced emotional neglect from their fathers would score higher in loneliness compared to other parent-child combinations. The findings showed no significant differences in father-son relationships within the context of emotional neglect. However, there was a significant difference in father-son relationships in the context of supervision neglect and loneliness outcomes, relative to all other parent combinations. Consistent with existing research, emotional neglect emerged as the strongest predictor of loneliness. Additionally, sex differences were observed, with women experiencing greater levels of loneliness stemming from neglect compared to men. These findings help address the knowledge gap present in childhood neglect research, with the goal of understanding the long-term consequences of adverse childhood experiences.

Brain structures and functional connectivity in neglected children with no other types of maltreatment

Child maltreatment can adversely affect brain development, leading to vulnerabilities in brain structure and function and various psychiatric disorders. Among the various types of child maltreatment, neglect has the highest incidence rate (76.0%); however, data on its sole adverse influence on the brain remain limited. This case-control brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study identified the changes in gray matter structure and function that distinguish neglected children with no other type of maltreatment (Neglect group, n = 23) from typically developing children (TD group, n = 140), and investigated the association between these structural and functional differences and specific psychosocial phenotypes observed in neglected children. Our results showed that the Neglect group had a larger right and left anterior cingulate cortex (R/L.ACC) and smaller left angular gyrus (L.AG) gray matter volume. The larger R/L.ACC was associated with hyperactivity and inattention. Resting-state functional analysis showed increased functional connectivity (FC) between the left supramarginal gyrus (L.SMG) in the salience network (SN) and the right middle frontal gyrus (R.MFG) simultaneously with a decrease in FC with the L.ACC for the same seed. The increased FC for the R.MFG was associated with difficulty in peer problems and depressive symptoms; a mediating effect was evident for depressive symptoms. These results suggest that the structural atypicality of the R/L.ACC indirectly contributes to the disturbed FCs within the SN, thereby exacerbating depressive symptoms in neglected children. In conclusion, exposure to neglect in childhood may lead to maladaptive brain development, particularly neural changes associated with depressive symptoms.

Does Child Maltreatment Reduce or Increase Empathy? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Arguments about the associations between child maltreatment and empathy remain controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to estimate the direction and magnitude of the relationships between child abuse and neglect and empathy. Four English databases (Web of Science, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Cochrane Library), three Chinese databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and Weipu), and grey literature were systematically searched. We extracted data related to the associations between child maltreatment and empathy and pooled them using random effects models. A total of 24 eligible studies involving 22,580 participants and 176 estimates were included in the analyses. Overall, child maltreatment was significantly related to reduced empathy (r _  = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.17, -0.13]). Specifically, the rank-order mean effect size of subtypes of maltreatment on empathy is: emotional neglect (r _  = -0.18, 95% CI [-0.25, -0.12]) > physical neglect (r _  = -0.16, 95% CI [-0.23, -0.09]) > emotional abuse (r _  = -0.15, 95% CI [-0.21, -0.10]) > physical abuse (r _  = -0.12, 95% CI [-0.17, -0.07]) > sexual abuse (r _  = -0.07, 95% CI [-0.14, -0.01]). Furthermore, the meta-regression results suggested that the aggregated associations between child maltreatment and empathy were not inflated by publication bias, but they were moderated by the age of respondents, sample size, publication language, empathy measurement, and maltreatment type. The results indicate that general maltreatment and its subtypes are associated with reduced empathy. Parent training and empathy enhancement programs should be designed to help children with a history of childhood maltreatment, respectively, from an early stage.

Influence of Childhood Psychological Maltreatment on Peer Attachment Among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediation Effects of Emotion Regulation Strategies

The formation of peer attachment is vitally important for the mental health of adolescents. Additionally, converging evidences show that childhood emotional trauma leads to poor peer attachment during adolescence. However, little is known about the underlying mechanism accounting for the link between early emotional trauma and adolescent peer attachment. Therefore, the present study is intended to examine the relationship between childhood psychological maltreatment (CPM) and peer attachment among Chinese adolescents and reveal its underlying mechanism. In total, we collected data from 670 adolescents (36.5% males and 63.5% females, Mage = 16.44 years, SD = 0.78) attending two Chinese high schools. These participants completed measurement scales for CPM (emotional abuse and neglect), peer attachment, and emotion regulation strategies, including cognitive reappraisal (CR) and expressive suppression (ES). The multiple mediation models showed that emotional neglect negatively predicted adolescent peer attachment but that emotional abuse did not. Furthermore, the two emotion regulation strategies, CR and ES, completely mediated the relationship between emotional abuse and peer attachment and partially mediated the relationship between emotional neglect and peer attachment. These findings extend the existing studies on adolescent peer attachment and elucidate how childhood emotional trauma negatively influences adolescent peer attachment. In addition, the present results provide implications for improving the peer attachment of adolescents. On one hand, appropriate family intervention should be implemented to reduce CPM. On the other hand, schools can focus on improving the peer attachment of adolescents by enhancing their emotion regulation. Specifically, adolescents should be taught how to use adaptive strategies, such as CR, to regulate negative emotions.

The influence of childhood emotional neglect experience on brain dynamic functional connectivity in young adults

Background: Childhood emotional neglect (CEN) confers a great risk for developing multiple psychiatric disorders; however, the neural basis for this association remains unknown. Using a dynamic functional connectivity approach, this study aimed to examine the effects of CEN experience on functional brain networks in young adults.Method: In total, 21 healthy young adults with CEN experience and 26 without childhood trauma experience were recruited. The childhood trauma experience was assessed using the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ), and eligible participants underwent resting-state functional MRI. Sliding windows and k-means clustering were used to identify temporal features of large-scale functional connectivity states (frequency, mean dwell time, and transition numbers).Result: Dynamic analysis revealed two separate connection states: state 1 was more frequent and characterized by extensive weak connections between the brain regions. State 2 was relatively infrequent and characterized by extensive strong connections between the brain regions. Compared to the control group, the CEN group had a longer mean dwell time in state 1 and significantly decreased transition numbers between states 1 and 2.Conclusion: The CEN experience affects the temporal properties of young adults' functional brain connectivity. Young adults with CEN experience tend to be stable in state 1 (extensive weak connections between the brain regions), reducing transitions between states, and reflecting impaired metastability or functional network flexibility.

Adverse childhood experiences from family and society contribute to increased risk of depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment: a cross-sectional study

Background

Family environments can shape children's personalities and social networks, rendering distinguishing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) from family and society essential, but related evidence remains limited.

Aims

This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the correlations between intrafamilial and social ACEs, their associations with depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment and the (education-moderated) mediating role of social ACEs.

Methods

Data for this cross-sectional study were from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. Nine intrafamilial (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more) and three social (0, 1, and 2 or more) ACEs were identified. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Global cognition, including episodic memory and mental intactness, was calculated as z scores. Binary and ordered logistic regressions, generalised linear models with Gaussian family and identity link, and mediation analysis were used.

Results

13 435 participants aged 59.0 (51.0-66.0) were included. Compared with participants with no intrafamilial ACEs, those with 1, 2, 3, and 4 or more intrafamilial ACEs tended to develop more social ACEs, with odds ratios (ORs) of 1.55 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.36 to 1.76), 2.36 (95% CI: 2.08 to 2.68), 3.46 (95% CI: 3.02 to 3.96) and 6.10 (95% CI: 5.30 to 7.02), respectively. Both intrafamilial and social ACEs were associated with depressive symptoms (OR >3 for four or more intrafamilial ACEs and two or more social ACEs) and global cognition (β=-0.26 for four or more intrafamilial ACEs and β=-0.29 for two or more social ACEs). Social ACEs mediated the associations of intrafamilial ACEs with depressive symptoms and global cognition by 12.3% and 13.1%, respectively. Furthermore, as education levels increased, the impact of intrafamilial ACEs on depressive symptoms was increasingly mediated through social ACEs, while the mediating role of social ACEs between intrafamilial ACEs and cognitive impairment gradually diminished.

Conclusions

Improving children's social environments and elevating general education can prevent later-life depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment attributed to ACEs in China.

The Protective Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Intergenerational Cycles of Neglect

Offspring of parents who experienced childhood neglect are at increased risk for developing internalizing problems. Empirical evidence suggests this link is principally mediated through parenting behavior. However, such intergenerational cycles of adversity are found to be disrupted in many families. Parasympathetic nervous system functioning is well documented to mediate individuals' emotion regulation biologically. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) is a validated biomarker for parasympathetic activity. The goal of the current study was to investigate the moderating role of parent RSA reactivity in the effect of parents' childhood neglect on their children's internalizing problems, through parental acceptance. Physiological and survey data were collected from 145 dyads (94% mothers; Youth Mage = 12.9, Youth SDage = 0.85). Results suggest that the effect of parents' childhood neglect on their child's internalizing problems was conditional on parents' RSA reactivity. Specifically, higher levels of parents' neglect were only linked to increased risk for youth internalizing problems if parents exhibited a lack of RSA withdrawal. Further, this moderating effect was found to be mediated through parental acceptance. Findings suggest understanding intergenerational consequences of child maltreatment contexts should include consideration of bioregulatory factors.

Parenting stress and children's trauma symptoms over the course of TF-CBT: Examining differences between relative and foster/adoptive caregivers

BACKGROUND

Through Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the gold standard in children's trauma treatment, caregivers participate in sessions parallel to the child. However, much of the research examining the impact of this caregiver involvement has focused on biological or relative caregivers, despite the high prevalence of trauma and trauma symptoms among youth in foster care and high rates of parenting stress among foster/adoptive caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined differences among relative and foster/adoptive caregivers' levels of parenting stress throughout the course of TF-CBT and how these differences were associated with child trauma symptoms throughout treatment.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

Participants were 130 caregiver-child dyads (84 = foster/adoptive; 46 = biological/relative) who completed TF-CBT in either an academic-based clinic or an associated mental health agency. Providing clinicians were trained in TF-CBT, participated in case consultation, and received ongoing clinical supervision.

METHODS

Children and caregivers completed baseline measures prior to beginning treatment and termination measures at the completion of treatment.

RESULTS

Prior to treatment, foster/adoptive caregivers reported greater dysfunction in their parent-child interactions and relative caregivers reported greater personal stress. These differences were not seen at treatment termination, and significant reductions in child trauma symptoms and caregiver parenting stress were evidenced from pre to post treatment. Significant covariation between child trauma symptoms and relative caregiver parenting stress at termination was also found.

CONCLUSIONS

There were different profiles of parenting stress for relative versus foster/adoptive caregivers, but treatment completion attenuated group differences in parenting stress over the course of treatment.

The influence of childhood emotional neglect on emotional face processing in young adults

Childhood emotional neglect (CEN) refers to a failure to meet the basic emotional needs of a child, which can seriously impact interpersonal communication and psychological health in young adults. Emotional face processing is critical in interpersonal communication; however, whether CEN affects this processing in young adults has not been investigated. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore the effects of CEN on emotional face processing in young adults. Using the Child Trauma Questionnaire, an online survey was conducted with 5010 students from four universities in Tianjin, China. After online interviews and diagnosis by professional doctors, we obtained 20 participants with CEN (CEN group) and 20 without CEN (control group). None of the participants had any mental diseases. A 2 × 4 mixed design was used to investigate the differences in accuracy and response time when identifying the valence of the emotional faces. Compared to the control group, the CEN group identified the valence of all emotional faces more slowly, but there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of accuracy. CEN caused delayed emotional face processing in young adults, which may be related to unresponsive, unavailable, and limited emotional interaction patterns between parents and their children.

Parents can't see me, can peers see me? Parental phubbing and adolescents' peer alienation via the mediating role of parental rejection

BACKGROUND

Parental neglect has been shown to be associated with adolescents' peer alienation. However, few previous studies have considered parental phubbing as a new form of social neglect during parent-child interactions related to adolescents' peer alienation, and much less is known about the mechanisms underlying this relationship.

OBJECTIVE

The present study explored the relationship between father phubbing (Fphubbing) and mother phubbing (Mphubbing) and adolescents' peer alienation. Moreover, it examined whether adolescents' perceived paternal and maternal rejection mediate these associations.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

A sample of 1140 students (M_age = 12.18 years, SD = 0.90) completed the measures of parental phubbing, parental rejection, and peer alienation.

METHODS

Structural equation modeling was used to assess the direct effects of Fphubbing and Mphubbing on adolescents' peer alienation and their indirect effects through adolescents' perceived paternal and maternal rejection as mediators.

RESULTS

The results indicated that Fphubbing and Mphubbing were positively related to adolescents' peer alienation. Perceived maternal rejection mediated the relationship between Mphubbing and adolescents' peer alienation. The relationship between Mphubbing and maternal rejection was stronger for adolescent girls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study offers a preliminary understanding of how parental phubbing associates with adolescents' peer alienation through the mediating role of adolescents' perceived parental rejection, which has certain theoretical and practical implications for comprehending adolescents' peer alienation in the mobile age.

The expected and the unexpected in recovery and development after abuse and neglect: The role of early foster carer commitment on young children's symptoms of attachment disorders and mental health problems over time

BACKGROUND

Whilst we know that foster care is better than institutional care for abused and neglected children, we know less about the specific qualities of foster care that are important for their development and recovery from maltreatment effects.

OBJECTIVE

This is the first study to investigate the effects of foster carer commitment on symptoms of Attachment Disorders (AD) and mental health problems in young children post-maltreatment.

PARTICIPANTS & SETTING

144 children, age 0-5, recently accommodated into foster care as part of an ongoing Randomised Controlled Trial.

METHODS

Children were assessed using the Disturbances of Attachment Interview and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, then followed up 15 months and 2.5 years thereafter. Commitment of the foster carer was measured by 'This Is My Baby' interview. Multiple regression was used to analyse the data.

RESULTS

Higher initial foster carer commitment, measured shortly after entry to care, was associated with a reduction in Reactive Attachment Disorder symptoms 15 months after placement, with a modest (non-significant) association persisting 2.5 years later. Initial commitment was not associated with symptoms of Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder at any follow-up time point, nor with symptoms of mental health problems at 15 months. However, higher initial commitment was unexpectedly associated with higher mental health symptom scores at 2.5 years post-accommodation.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the complex and non-linear development of children in committed foster care, underscoring the need to examine multiple time-points and to consider symptoms of Attachment Disorders separately from those of other mental health problems.