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Kobulsky JM, Cederbaum JA, Wildfeuer R, Grest CV, Clarke L, Kordic T. Comparing the prevalence of sexual behaviors and victimization among adolescents based on child welfare system involvement. Child Abuse Negl 2022; 134:105883. [PMID: 36115325 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sexual behavior presents risks, particularly among vulnerable groups such as adolescents with child welfare system involvement. This study compares the prevalence of sexual behaviors and victimization among adolescents in Los Angeles County with and without child welfare system involvement. It examines associations between online and offline sexual behaviors and victimization. METHODS The sample included middle and high school students (N = 2365) and high school students only (N = 1068) participating in the 2015 Los Angeles Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). Measures included child welfare system involvement with or without foster care placement, demographics (race, ethnicity, gender, age), in-person sexual behaviors (e.g., unsafe sex), online sexual behaviors (e.g., sent/received sext), and sexual victimization (forced sex, dating physical violence, dating sexual assault). Logistic regressions examined variability in sexual behaviors and victimization based on child welfare involvement, net of demographics. Path analyses associated online sexual behaviors with victimization and offline risk. RESULTS Greater reported sexual behavior and victimization among foster care youths was found, relative to youths without child welfare system involvement (maximum OR = 9.8). Youth with child welfare system involvement but not placed in foster care reported more unsafe sex, sexting because of pressure, finding a sex partner online, having sex with a partner met online, and forced sex (maximum OR = 10.4). Sexting was associated with forced sex and dating sexual assault, finding a sexual partner online, and physical violence. CONCLUSIONS Targeted prevention is needed for online and offline sexual risks and victimization among youth with child welfare system involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. #551, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States of America.
| | - Julie A Cederbaum
- Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th Street Montgomery Ross Fisher, 222, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, United States of America.
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Department of Sociology, Temple University, 115 Polett Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States of America.
| | - Carolina Villamil Grest
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore Ave. #551, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States of America.
| | - Lauren Clarke
- Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, 669 West 34th Street Montgomery Ross Fisher, 222, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0411, United States of America.
| | - Timothy Kordic
- Los Angeles Unified School District, United States of America
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Yoon S, Yoon D, Latelle A, Kobulsky JM. The Interaction Effects Between Father-Child Relationship Quality and Parent-perpetrated Maltreatment on Adolescent Behavior Problems. J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP15944-NP15969. [PMID: 34107809 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211021977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite ample evidence supporting the positive and important role fathers play in youth well-being, currently little is known about the potential buffering effects of positive father-child relationships on adolescent behavioral functioning, especially within the context of child maltreatment. Clarifying whether positive parent-child relationships are helpful in the presence of maltreatment perpetrated by the same or another parent is critical for designing and implementing successful family-based interventions for positive youth development. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the unique and combined effects of the perpetrator of child maltreatment (i.e., maltreatment perpetrated by fathers versus mothers alone) and father-child relationship quality on adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems. A series of Ordinary Least Squares multiple regressions were conducted on a sample of 14-year-old high-risk youth (N = 661) drawn from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. The results indicated that both father-perpetrated maltreatment and mother-alone maltreatment were associated with higher levels of internalizing and externalizing problems. Higher quality of father-child relationships was associated with lower levels of internalizing but was not significantly associated with externalizing problems. Higher quality father-child relationships had a buffering impact against adolescent internalizing and externalizing problems when adolescents were maltreated by mothers alone. The findings suggest that policy and practical efforts seeking to build resilience of youth should strive to nurture and leverage positive, non-maltreating father-child relationships. Such efforts may support the positive development of adolescents, even in the face of mother-perpetrated maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Yoon
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dalhee Yoon
- Binghamton University- State University of New York, Binghamton, NY
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3
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Schuler BR, Vazquez CE, Kobulsky JM, Dumenci L. Adversity and child body mass index in Fragile Families over 15 years: Do type and timing matter? SSM Popul Health 2022; 19:101197. [PMID: 36033351 PMCID: PMC9399528 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Weight status has been linked to adverse childhood experiences. Existing research, however, is limited to unidimensional assessments of cumulative risk and does not account for the complex nature of adversity experienced by children in high-risk settings. We fill existing gaps by assessing how four subtypes of adversity across two primary dimensions of threat and deprivation-based adversity are associated with changes in body mass index (BMI) across child ages 3 through 15 years. Method U.S. mothers and fathers (n = 2412) in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study were interviewed when children were born, and again at ages 1, 3, 5, 9, and 15 years. Independent variables include interpersonal (e.g., domestic violence), family (e.g., mental health), economic (e.g., housing insecurity), and community (e.g., witness/victim of violence) adversity from ages 1 through 9 years. Path analysis regressed changes in BMIz from ages 3 through 15 on past adversity exposures. Results Increased interpersonal and community adversity subtypes from ages 3 to 5 were associated with decreased BMIz from ages 5–9 years. Increased economic adversity from age 3 to 5 was associated with increased BMIz from ages 5 to 9, adjusted for mother age, race, and education. Conclusion Findings highlight the differential influence of past adversity type and timing on child BMI. Interpersonal and community adversity were associated with decreased BMIz, and economic adversity with increased BMIz. Differences in directionality of associations suggest research should capture multiple dimensions of adversity in early childhood and possible positive and negative trends in effects on child weight as children grow from early to mid-childhood. We found positive and negative trends in BMIz, depending on adversity type. Interpersonal and community adversity types were associated with decrease BMIz. Economic adversity was associated with increased BMIz. BMIz from ages 5 to 9 was sensitive to adversity exposure from ages 3–5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany R Schuler
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1311 Cecil B Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 5th floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Christian E Vazquez
- School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 6019, USA
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1311 Cecil B Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 5th floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
| | - Levent Dumenci
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA
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4
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Kobulsky JM, Yoon SH, Wildfeuer R, Simonsson P, Shin SH. The Effects of Father-Perpetration of Maltreatment on Adolescent Health Risk. J Interpers Violence 2022; 37:NP13092-NP13114. [PMID: 33765850 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211001484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Maltreatment perpetrated by fathers may entail distinct characteristics and threats, and therefore differing effects from maltreatment perpetrated by mothers alone. This study examines the extent to which father perpetration of maltreatment is associated with variability in subsequent adolescent health outcomes relative to mother-alone maltreatment. A sample of youth (N = 377) with recently completed Child Protective Services investigations concerning reports of maltreatment attributed to fathers and/or mothers was drawn from the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being. Youth were 11-17 years old (M = 13.8, SD = 2) at 18-month follow-up. Predictor variables (baseline) included caseworker-reported perpetrator (father vs mother alone), maltreatment type and severity, and co-occurring risk factors (prior reports of maltreatment, caregiver substance use, serious mental health problems, and recent arrest or detention, and intimate partner violence). Outcome measures were youth-reported sexual risk behavior (the number of past-year sexual partners), substance use severity (use of illicit drugs other than marijuana, number of substances used, and CRAFFT raw scores), and parent-to-adolescent physical aggression (minor, moderate, and severe) at 18-month follow-up. Structural equation modeling assessed the effects of father perpetration on outcomes. Father perpetration was prospectively associated with more parent-to-adolescent aggression (β = 0.16, p = .034) and less sexual risk behavior (β = -0.17, p = .017) than mother-alone perpetration. Findings suggest protective effects of father perpetration relative to mother-alone perpetration on sexual risk taking but greater risk on further victimization by parents. Future research is needed to replicate findings and examine potential youth gender differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan H Yoon
- The Ohio State University College of Social Work, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Peter Simonsson
- Temple University Institute of Urban Bioethics, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sunny H Shin
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work, Richmond, VA, USA
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5
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Yoon D, Kobulsky JM, Yoon M, Park J, Yoon S, Arias LN. Racial differences in early adolescent substance use: Child abuse types and family/peer substance use as predictors. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2022; 23:110-127. [PMID: 35510907 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2022.2068720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the associations among child abuse types, family/peer substance use, and adolescent substance use, as well as testing whether these associations vary by race. The sample was derived from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (N = 562). Child sexual abuse, family substance use, and peer substance use were associated with a higher likelihood of adolescent substance use. Sexual abuse was more strongly associated with substance use in Black youth than in White youth. Conversely, greater peer substance use had a stronger association with substance use in White youth than in Black youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalhee Yoon
- Binghamton University-State University of New York, Binghamton, New York
| | | | | | - Jiho Park
- Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Susan Yoon
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Laura N Arias
- Binghamton University-State University of New York, Binghamton, New York
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Abstract
This study examined relationships between adolescent neglect and abuse and later health risk in a sample of 1050 youth (53% female, 56% Black, and 24% White) from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. At age 16, the youth reported any adolescent exposure to neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. At age 18, they reported risk behaviors (delinquency, substance use, and sexual behavior) and emotional and behavioral problems (externalizing and internalizing problems, suicidality). Control variables were childhood maltreatment (self-reports and early childhood child protective services reports), risk behaviors and emotional and behavioral problems at age 16, and demographics. Analysis confirmed a 5-factor model of adolescent neglect (Exposure to Risk, Inadequate Monitoring, Inattention to Basic Needs, Permitting Misbehavior, and Inadequate Support). Inadequate Support and Exposure to Risk were associated with more substances used; Exposure to Risk was also associated with delinquency and suicidality. Adolescent emotional abuse was associated with not using a condom use and internalizing and externalizing problems. Findings underscore the importance of preventing or addressing neglect during adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, 16043Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Miguel Villodas
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, 115104San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dalhee Yoon
- Department of Social Work, 14787Binghamton University-State University of New York, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Department of Sociology, 6558Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Howard Dubowitz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MA, USA
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7
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Kobulsky JM, Yoon D, Villodas MT, Schuler BR, Wildfeuer R, Reyes JN. Neglect, Abuse, and Adaptive Functioning: Food Security and Housing Stability as Protective Factors for Adolescents. Children 2022; 9:children9030390. [PMID: 35327762 PMCID: PMC8946869 DOI: 10.3390/children9030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This study addresses gaps in knowledge of protective factors that support adaptive functioning among maltreated adolescents. The sample included 1003 high-risk youths participating in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (53% female, 56% Black, and 82% living in poverty). Adolescent neglect (Exposure to Risky Situations, Lack of Monitoring, Inattention to Basic Needs, Permitting Misbehavior, Lack of Support) and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse were self-reported at age 16. Age 18 adaptive functioning measures included healthcare receipt (medical, dental, and mental health), self-rated global health, high school graduation or enrollment, prosocial activities, peer relationships (Companionship, Conflict, Satisfaction, and Intimacy), and independent living skills. Previous childhood maltreatment, demographics, and earlier prosocial activities and peer relationships were controls. Structural equation modeling showed that adolescent neglect and abuse were associated with lower adaptive functioning. Multigroup models showed protective effects for food security on the relationships between sexual abuse and self-rated health and between Inadequate Monitoring and Companionship. Housing stability buffered relationships between Inadequate Support and high school graduation or enrollment and between Permitting Misbehavior and independent living skills. Findings imply the need for adolescent-focused prevention, including the promotion of food security and housing stability to support adaptive functioning in maltreated adolescents. However, notable mixed findings show the need for additional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M. Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-204-2843
| | - Dalhee Yoon
- Department of Social Work, Binghamton University-State University of New York, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA;
| | - Miguel T. Villodas
- Department of Psychology, College of Sciences, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92121, USA;
| | - Brittany R. Schuler
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Department of Sociology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
| | - José N. Reyes
- Department of Health Services Administration and Policy, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA;
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8
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Yoon S, Kobulsky JM, Shin SH, Coxe K. The roles of child maltreatment and fathers in the development of substance use in an at-risk sample of youth: A longitudinal study. Child Abuse Negl 2021; 118:105130. [PMID: 34052661 PMCID: PMC8292213 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite ample cross-sectional evidence linking child maltreatment and father involvement to adolescent substance use, little is known about the longitudinal impact of child maltreatment and father involvement in the developmental course of substance use from early adolescence to late adolescence. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of the study was to examine the long-term effects of childhood maltreatment (i.e., maltreatment type, perpetrator identity) and the quality and quantity of father involvement on developmental trajectories of substance use among high-risk youth. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Data were drawn from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. Study participants included 681 U.S. adolescents who had experienced or were at risk for child maltreatment. METHODS Latent Growth Poisson Modeling was conducted to examine developmental trajectories of substance use at ages 12, 14, 16, and 18. RESULTS Child emotional abuse and greater quantity of father involvement were associated with a higher initial number of substances used, while higher quality of father-child relationships was associated with a lower initial number of substances used. Emotional abuse and greater quantity of father involvement were associated with slower increases in the number of substances used over time. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that engaging fathers and promoting nurturing parenting and positive parent-adolescent interactions may be important for programs and policies aimed to prevent early adolescent substance use initiation. Furthermore, early identification of emotional abuse among adolescents could help to prevent initial polysubstance use onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Yoon
- The Ohio State University College of Social Work, 1947 N. College Rd., Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- Temple University, College of Public Health School of Social Work, 1101 W. Montgomery Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Sunny H Shin
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, School of Medicine, 1000 Floyd Avenue, Richmond, VA 23284, USA.
| | - Kathryn Coxe
- The Ohio State University College of Social Work, 1947 N. College Rd., Columbus, OH 432100, USA.
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Schroeder K, Schuler BR, Kobulsky JM, Sarwer DB. The association between adverse childhood experiences and childhood obesity: A systematic review. Obes Rev 2021; 22:e13204. [PMID: 33506595 PMCID: PMC8192341 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with numerous physical and mental health issues in children and adults. The effect of ACEs on development of childhood obesity is less understood. This systematic review was undertaken to synthesize the quantitative research examining the relationship between ACEs and childhood obesity. PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science were searched in July 2020; Rayyan was used to screen studies, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to assess risk of bias. The search resulted in 6,966 studies screened at title/abstract and 168 at full-text level. Twenty-four studies met inclusion criteria. Study quality was moderate, with greatest risk of bias due to method of assessment of ACEs or sample attrition. Findings suggest ACEs are associated with childhood obesity. Girls may be more sensitive to obesity-related effects of ACEs than boys, sexual abuse appears to have a greater effect on childhood obesity than other ACEs, and co-occurrence of multiple ACEs may be associated with greater childhood obesity risk. Further, the effect of ACEs on development of childhood obesity may take 2-5 years to manifest. Considered collectively, findings suggest a need for greater attention to ACEs in the prevention and treatment of childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brittany R. Schuler
- Temple University College of Public Health
- Temple University School of Social Work
| | - Julia M. Kobulsky
- Temple University College of Public Health
- Temple University School of Social Work
| | - David B. Sarwer
- Temple University College of Public Health
- Temple University Center for Obesity Research and Education
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10
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Kobulsky JM, Wildfeuer R, Yoon S, Cage J. Distinguishing Characteristics and Disparities in Child Protective Services-Investigated Maltreatment by Fathers. Child Maltreat 2021; 26:182-194. [PMID: 32799669 DOI: 10.1177/1077559520950828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examines distinguishing characteristics of father-perpetrated maltreatment and disparities in Child Protective Services (CPS) investigation outcomes based on perpetrator gender and race. A sample of children (N = 2,017) reported to CPS for maltreatment attributed to their mother and/or father was drawn from the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-being (NSCAW II). Measures included perpetrator(s) relationship to the child (mother alone, father alone, mother and father) and race (Black, White, Other), caseworker-reported maltreatment characteristics and co-occurring risk factors, and CPS investigation outcomes (services, substantiation, out-of-home placement, criminal investigation, and criminal charges). Bivariate analyses revealed no clear pattern of higher risk for maltreatment involving fathers. In regression, father-alone perpetration predicted less out-of-home placement but more criminal investigations and charges. A significant interaction indicated the greatest risk for criminal charges when a Black father co-perpetrated maltreatment with mother. Findings imply needs for anti-bias training, specialized services for fathers, and coordinated diversion between child welfare and criminal justice systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, 16043College of Public Heath, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Department of Sociology, 6558Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Susan Yoon
- College of Social Work, 2647The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jamie Cage
- 229658School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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11
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Schuler BR, Vazquez C, Kobulsky JM, Schroeder K, Tripicchio GL, Wildfeuer R. The early effects of cumulative and individual adverse childhood experiences on child diet: Examining the role of socioeconomic status. Prev Med 2021; 145:106447. [PMID: 33545230 PMCID: PMC7956050 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have been associated with detrimental long-term health outcomes, including obesity risk. Existing research has yet to examine whether early life ACEs are associated with diet in early childhood within socioeconomic subgroups. Data were drawn from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort (2001-2002). Mother-child dyads (n = 7000) were recruited when children were 9-months old, and followed longitudinally at 2 years, and 4 years. Mothers reported children's exposure to five ACEs at 9-months and 2 years and children's daily intake of fruits, vegetables, sweet snacks, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) at 4 years. Weighted multiple linear regression models tested the effect of cumulative and individual ACEs on child diet in full, low-, and high-SES samples. Cumulative ACE score was inversely associated with frequency of fruit intake in full (b = -0.08, p = 0.005) and low-SES samples (b = -0.10, p < 0.001). Domestic violence was associated with less frequent fruit intake in full (b = -0.21, p = 0.01) and low-SES samples (b = -0.29 p = 0.008). In the full sample, incarceration was associated with less frequent fruit intake (b = -0.24, p = 0.02), and domestic violence was associated with higher sweet snack (b = 0.22, p = 0.01) and SSB intake (b = 0.27, p = 0.009). Results provide preliminary evidence on the association between cumulative and specific ACEs and child diet, and how this relationship varies by SES context. Future research is needed to understand the complex multi-level mechanisms operating along this pathway in order to inform interventions supporting behavior change and to build evidence for policies that may reduce diet-related disparities in ACE exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany R Schuler
- School of Social Work, Temple University College of Public Health, 1311 Cecil B Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 5(th) floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Christian Vazquez
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, 1925 San Jacinto Blvd, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, Temple University College of Public Health, 1311 Cecil B Moore Ave., Ritter Annex 5(th) floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
| | - Krista Schroeder
- Department of Nursing, Temple University College of Public Health, 3307 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19146, USA.
| | - Gina L Tripicchio
- Center for Obesity Research and Education, Temple University College of Public Health, 3223 N Broad St., Suite 175, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
| | - Rachel Wildfeuer
- Department of Sociology, Temple University, 1115 Polett Walk, Gladfelter Hall 7(th) floor, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
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12
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Kobulsky JM, Dubowitz H, Xu Y. The global challenge of the neglect of children. Child Abuse Negl 2020; 110:104296. [PMID: 31831190 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/24/2019] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neglect of children is a serious global problem. The 1989 United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) was a major international achievement spurring national efforts to prevent and address neglect. However, the scope of neglect worldwide and progress in addressing it remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This analysis assessed the current state of child neglect through much of the world, including its prevalence and efforts to address it. METHOD The scope of neglect was assessed through a literature review of recent peer-reviewed research and analysis of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) child protective services (CPS) and early childhood development data. National responses to neglect in 73 countries were described in the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect's World Perspectives 2016 data and through illustrative case studies of recent CRC country reports for Australia, China, India and Mozambique. RESULTS Neglect is prevalent throughout the world, although its extent and form vary. Most countries recognize neglect as a form of maltreatment and have basic CPS policies and some system in place, but implementation of prevention and intervention services remains inadequate even in high-income countries. Economic and other barriers inhibit progress to address the neglect of children. CONCLUSIONS Progress has been made in establishing basic child protections and other safeguards for neglect in most countries, but significant barriers and inadequacies remain. Implementation of the CRC is uneven and there are large gaps in needed services. Much work remains to better assess and address this serious problem, in every country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, 1301 Cecil B. Moore, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States.
| | | | - Yanfeng Xu
- University of South Carolina College of Social Work, United States
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13
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Shin SH, Jiskrova GK, Yoon SH, Kobulsky JM. Childhood maltreatment, motives to drink and alcohol-related problems in young adulthood. Child Abuse Negl 2020; 108:104657. [PMID: 32854053 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young adults with a history of child maltreatment (CM) are often vulnerable to alcohol-related problems. Drinking motives have been widely studied to explain alcohol-related problems in young adulthood. OBJECTIVES The aims of the current study were to examine the link between CM and alcohol-related problems and to test whether CM is indirectly related to alcohol-related problems via different types of drinking motives. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Two hundred eight participants were recruited in a mid-Atlantic urban area (M age = 19.7, 78.4 % female) via advertisements placed throughout the community. METHODS Participants completed self-report measures of CM (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire), types of drinking motives (the Drinking Motives Questionnaire Revised Short Form), and alcohol-related problems (Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test whether CM was associated with alcohol use, both directly and indirectly, through drinking motives. RESULTS We found that both coping (β = 0.53,p < 0.001) and enhancement drinking motives (β = 0.15, p = 0.031) were associated with alcohol-related problems. Additionally, CM was related to alcohol-related problems indirectly via coping motive (β = 0.11, p = 0.028). CONCLUSION Young adults with a history of CM may use alcohol to cope with trauma-related negative emotionality. Targeting emotional distress in CM-exposed individuals may be helpful in preventing and treating alcohol-related problems in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny H Shin
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, 1000 Floyd Avenue, Third Floor Richmond, VA 23284, United States; Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 1200 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA 23298, United States.
| | - Gabriela Ksinan Jiskrova
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, 1000 Floyd Avenue, Third Floor Richmond, VA 23284, United States
| | - Susan H Yoon
- Ohio State University, College of Social Work, 1947 N. College Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- Temple University, School of Social Work, 1101 W. Montgomery Ave. Third Floor Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
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14
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Shin SH, Ksinan Jiskrova G, Yoon SH, Kobulsky JM. Childhood maltreatment and problematic alcohol use in young adulthood: the roles of cognitive vulnerability to depression and depressive symptoms. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse 2020; 46:438-446. [PMID: 32101477 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2020.1722684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment (CM) has been repeatedly linked to future problem drinking. Depression has been identified as a potential factor contributing to problematic alcohol use in maltreated individuals. However, depression has been operationalized as the presence or number of depression symptoms in the majority of previous studies. The role of other relevant measures of depression, such as depressive implicit associations, is not well understood. OBJECTIVES The present study addresses this gap in the literature by examining the mediating role of both depression symptoms and depressive implicit associations. METHODS A community sample of young adults (N = 208, mean age = 19.7, 78.4% females) completed self-report measures of CM, depression symptoms, and problem drinking. Depressive implicit associations were assessed by a computer-based implicit association test (IAT). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the direct link between CM and problem drinking as well as indirect links through depression symptoms and depressive implicit associations. RESULTS CM was significantly associated with both depression symptoms (β = 0.35, p < .001) and depressive implicit associations (β = 0.36, p < .001). Additionally, CM was associated with problem drinking indirectly via depression symptoms during young adulthood (β = .06, p = .019). CONCLUSION Our study provides evidence for the role of depression symptoms, but not for depressive implicit associations, in linking CM and problem drinking. Treating depression in individuals with a history of CM may help to prevent problem drinking in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny H Shin
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA, USA.,School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, VA, USA
| | | | - Susan H Yoon
- College of Social Work, Ohio State University , Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, Temple University , Philadelphia, PA, USA
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15
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Shin SH, Wang X, Yoon SH, Cage JL, Kobulsky JM, Montemayor BN. Childhood maltreatment and alcohol-related problems in young adulthood: The protective role of parental warmth. Child Abuse Negl 2019; 98:104238. [PMID: 31655248 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use among young adults is highly prevalent. Individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment are particularly vulnerable to alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. Few studies have examined family protective factors, such as parental warmth, that may mitigate the effects of childhood maltreatment on alcohol-related problems. OBJECTIVE The current study seeks to examine the extent to which parental warmth reduces the effect of childhood exposure to maltreatment on alcohol-related problems in young adulthood. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were young adults (N = 337; mean age = 21.7), who were recruited from an urban community and completed in-person interviews assessing childhood maltreatment, parental warmth, and alcohol-related problems. METHODS Multiple hierarchical linear regression models were used to examine whether maternal and paternal warmth reduced the impact of childhood exposure to maltreatment on alcohol-related problems in young adulthood. Common risk factors for alcohol-related problems, including psychological symptoms and peer and parental alcohol use, were also entered into the models. RESULTS We found a significant moderating effect of paternal warmth on the associations between childhood emotional abuse and alcohol-related problems (β= -0.29, p < .05). Specifically, the association between emotional abuse and alcohol-related problems was weaker among individuals with higher levels of paternal warmth. Moderating effects of maternal warmth on the maltreatment-problematic alcohol use relation were not supported. CONCLUSION The results of this research suggest that parental warmth may not only relate to fewer alcohol-related problems among offspring, but may also modify the associations between childhood emotional abuse and alcohol-related problems during young adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny H Shin
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, 1000 Floyd Avenue, Third Floor, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States; Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, 1200 East Broad Street, Richmond, VA, 23298, United States.
| | - Xiafei Wang
- Syracuse University, School of Social Work, David B. Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics, 440 White Hall, Syracuse, NY, 13244, United States
| | - Susan H Yoon
- Ohio State University, College of Social Work, 1947 N. College Road, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States
| | - Jamie L Cage
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, 1000 Floyd Avenue, Third Floor, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- Temple University, School of Social Work, 1101 W. Montgomery Ave. Third Floor, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, United States
| | - Benjamin N Montemayor
- Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Social Work, 1000 Floyd Avenue, Third Floor, Richmond, VA, 23284, United States
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Abstract
Background: Early substance use is an established risk factor for substance abuse and dependence. Objective: The current study sought to examine whether child welfare-involved eighth graders have higher rates of early substance use than general population eighth graders. Data from the first National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) were analyzed to assess the prevalence of self-reported substance use, including alcohol, marijuana, and inhalant use in child welfare-involved eighth graders (N = 896). These figures were compared to general eighth grade student population estimates from the Monitoring the Future Study (N = 16,900) using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Finally, regression analyses were conducted to examine demographic predictors (i.e., age, gender, race/ethnicity, and out-of-home placement) of substance use among child welfare eighth graders. Results: Results indicated comparable or lower incidence of substances among child welfare eighth graders relative to the general population, but higher past 30-day inhalant use among child welfare youth in out-of-home placement (17.1%, 95% CI: 6.0%, 40.2%) than the general population (4.2%, 95% CI: 3.7%, 4.7%). Out-of-home placement was associated with higher inhalant use (lifetime β = .659, p = .034; 30-day β = .763, p = .040) and alcohol use (lifetime β = .415, p = .028). Conclusions/Importance: These findings imply the need for screening and prevention education about substance use in child welfare populations, particularly in regards to inhalant use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- a School of Social Work College of Public Health , Temple University , Philadelphia , Pennsylvania , USA
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17
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Kobulsky JM, Yoon S, Bright CL, Lee G, Nam B. Gender-Moderated Pathways From Childhood Abuse and Neglect to Late-Adolescent Substance Use. J Trauma Stress 2018; 31:654-664. [PMID: 30338572 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Substantial research has linked childhood maltreatment to the development of substance use in adolescence. However, gender differences in the mechanisms that connect child abuse and neglect to substance use remain unclear. In this study, we applied multiple-group structural equation modeling in a sample of 1,161 youths (boys, n = 552; girls, n = 609) from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) to examine gender differences in the associations between childhood abuse and neglect exposure from ages 0-12 years and substance use severity at age 18 as mediated by early substance use at age 14 and psychological symptoms (anger, anxiety, and depression) at age 16. In both genders, neglect directly predicted substance use severity, β = .25, p < .001 for boys and β = .17, p = .007 for girls; and early substance use, β = .03, p = .002 for boys and β = .06, p = .005 for girls; and anger mediated this association, β = .10, p < .001 for boys and β = .06, p = .005 for girls. Anger mediated paths from abuse in boys, β = .06, p = .018. In girls, early substance use mediated the path from abuse to substance use severity, β = .06, p = .008, with the mediated effect and direct path from abuse to early substance use significantly moderated by gender. For substance use severity, R2 = .26 for girls and R2 = .27 for boys. These findings demonstrate the prominence of neglect in predicting substance use severity and gender differences in paths from abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, College of Public Health, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Susan Yoon
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Guijin Lee
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Boyoung Nam
- School of Social Work, University of Maryland Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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18
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Kobulsky JM, Kepple NJ, Jedwab M. Abuse Characteristics and the Concordance of Child Protective Service Determinations and Adolescent Self-Reports of Abuse. Child Maltreat 2018; 23:269-280. [PMID: 29793350 DOI: 10.1177/1077559518771743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the concordance of abuse self-reported by adolescents at 18 years and child protective service (CPS) determinations and how abuse characteristics predict concordance. It includes 819 youths participating in 18-year interviews of the Longitudinal Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). Cross-tabulations revealed low correspondence between self-reports and CPS determinations of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Logistic regression identified that among youths with CPS physical abuse determinations, White race, chronicity, and co-occurring neglect were positively associated with corresponding self-reports. Co-occurring CPS-determined emotional abuse was more concordant with self-reports. More frequent self-reported physical abuse was associated with corresponding CPS determinations. Self-reports of childhood emotional abuse and perpetration by nonparental family/other household members were positively associated with corresponding CPS determinations. CPS determination concordance also varied significantly by LONGSCAN site. Results demonstrate differences in abuse characteristics captured by CPS data and youth self-report, which may impact research findings on abuse correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- 1 School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Jo Kepple
- 2 School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Merav Jedwab
- 1 School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
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19
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Yoon S, Voith LA, Kobulsky JM. Gender differences in pathways from child physical and sexual abuse to adolescent risky sexual behavior among high-risk youth. J Adolesc 2018; 64:89-97. [PMID: 29438874 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated gender differences in the roles of internalizing and externalizing symptoms and substance use as pathways linking child physical and sexual abuse to risky sexual behavior among youth at risk of maltreatment. Path analysis was performed with 862 adolescents drawn from Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect. Four waves of data collected in the United States were used: childhood physical and sexual abuse experiences (from ages 0-12) were assessed by Child Protective Services reports, internalizing and externalizing symptoms were measured at age 14, substance use was measured at age 16, and risky sexual behavior was measured at age 18. Physical abuse was directly associated with risky sexual behavior in boys but not girls. For girls, physical abuse had a significant indirect effect on risky sexual behavior via externalizing symptoms. Gender-focused preventive intervention strategies may be effective in reducing risky sexual behavior among at-risk adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Yoon
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Laura A Voith
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- School of Social Work, The University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Yoon S, Kobulsky JM, Yoon D, Kim W. Developmental Pathways from Child Maltreatment to Adolescent Substance Use: The Roles of Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Mother-Child Relationships. Child Youth Serv Rev 2017; 82:271-279. [PMID: 29503490 PMCID: PMC5831507 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2017.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
While many studies have identified a significant relation between child maltreatment and adolescent substance use, the developmental pathways linking this relation remain sparsely explored. The current study examines posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, mother-child relationships, and internalizing and externalizing problems as potential longitudinal pathways through which child maltreatment influences adolescent substance use. Structural equation modeling was conducted on 883 adolescents drawn from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN). The pathways of PTS symptoms linked physical and sexual abuse to substance use, and the pathways of mother-child relationships linked emotional abuse and neglect to substance use. None of the four types of maltreatment affected substance use via internalizing or externalizing problems. The findings suggest that intervention efforts aimed at addressing posttraumatic stress symptoms and improving mother-child relationship quality may be beneficial in reducing substance use among adolescents with child maltreatment histories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Yoon
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, USA
| | | | - Dalhee Yoon
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Wonhee Kim
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, USA
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21
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Kobulsky JM, Kepple NJ, Holmes MR, Hussey DL. Concordance of Parent- and Child-Reported Physical Abuse Following Child Protective Services Investigation. Child Maltreat 2017; 22:24-33. [PMID: 27742847 DOI: 10.1177/1077559516673156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge about the concordance of parent- and child-reported child physical abuse is scarce, leaving researchers and practitioners with little guidance on the implications of selecting either informant. Drawing from a 2008-2009 sample of 11- to 17-year-olds ( N = 636) from Wave 1 of the second National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being, this study first examined parent-child concordance in physical abuse reporting (Parent-Child Conflict Tactic Scale). Second, it applied multivariate regression analysis to relate parent-child agreement in physical abuse to parent-reported (Child Behavior Checklist) and child-reported (Youth Self Report) child behavioral problems. Results indicate low parent-child concordance of physical abuse (κ = .145). Coreporting of physical abuse was related to clinical-level parent-reported externalizing problems ([Formula: see text] = 64.57), whereas child-only reports of physical abuse were the only agreement category related to child-reported internalizing problems ( B = 4.17, p < .001). Attribution bias theory may further understanding of reporting concordance and its implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- 1 Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- 2 School of Social Work, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nancy Jo Kepple
- 3 School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Megan R Holmes
- 1 Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - David L Hussey
- 1 Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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22
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Kobulsky JM, Minnes S, Min MO, Singer MI. Violence Exposure and Early Substance Use in High-Risk Adolescents. J Soc Work Pract Addict 2016; 16:46-71. [PMID: 29056877 PMCID: PMC5650204 DOI: 10.1080/1533256x.2016.1138867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between violence exposure and early substance use as mediated by trauma symptoms. The Assessment of Liability and Exposure to Substance Use and Antisocial Behavior Scale was used to assess violence exposure at age 10 and substance use by age 12. Mediation analysis indicated direct relationships between violence exposure and tobacco/illegal drug use and indirect relationships between violence exposure and girls' substance use through trauma symptoms. Practitioners should consider violence exposure as a risk factor for early substance use in high-risk youths and potential gender differences in trauma symptom pathways to early substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia M Kobulsky
- Doctoral Candidate, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sonia Minnes
- Associate Professor, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Meeyoung O Min
- Research Associate Professor, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mark I Singer
- Leonard W. Mayo Professor, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Yoon S, Kobulsky JM, Voith LA, Steigerwald S, Holmes MR. Gender differences in caregiver-child relationship mediation of the association between violence exposure severity and adolescent behavior problems. Child Abuse Negl 2015; 50:104-115. [PMID: 26546097 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2015.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The main objectives of this study were to investigate (1) the relationship between mild, moderate, and severe violence exposure in the home and behavior problems in adolescents; (2) the caregiver-child relationship as a potential mediator in this relationship; and (3) gender differences. A series of path analyses were conducted using a sample drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NCSAW-I) of 848 adolescents (ages 11-15) who had been reported to Child Protective Services for maltreatment and who remained in their homes. Exposure to violence and the caregiver-child relationship were reported by adolescents. Both caregiver ratings and adolescent self-reports were used to assess adolescents' behavior problems. Path analysis indicated that exposure to mild and severe violence was directly associated with higher levels of child-reported behavior problems. However, exposure to violence was not directly associated with caregiver ratings of adolescent behavior problems. The caregiver-child relationship mediated the relationship between mild and moderate violence on both caregiver and child-reported adolescent behavior problems. Gender differences also emerged; for girls, the caregiver-child relationship mediated the effects of mild and moderate violence, whereas for boys, it mediated the effects of severe violence on behavior problems. Study findings suggest caregiver-child relationships as a critical underlying mechanism in the association between violence exposure and adolescent behavior problems, highlighting the importance of adding the caregiver-child relationship factor to intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Yoon
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Julia M Kobulsky
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Laura A Voith
- Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, USA
| | - Stacey Steigerwald
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, USA
| | - Megan R Holmes
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, USA
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