Developmental trajectories of child maltreatment: Associations with internalizing and externalizing symptoms

Abstract

This prospective study of young children ( M = 11.62 months, SD = 8.28) with prior child welfare contact examined trajectories of exposure to various types of maltreatment (i.e., domestic violence, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, and neglect) as risk factors for children’s psychopathology sequelae. Data were drawn from 1,059 children (52% male, 48% female; 39% White, 28% Hispanic, 27% Black) in the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II. Repeated-measures latent class analysis identified four trajectories of child maltreatment exposure: “Stable Low Multi-Type,” “Increasing Emotional–Physical,” “Stable High Emotional–Physical,” and “Stable High Multi-Type.” Maltreatment trajectories significantly predicted internalizing ( χ ² [3] = 21.89, p < .001) and externalizing symptoms ( χ ² [3] = 33.04, p < .001). Children in both the “Stable High Multi-Type” trajectory ( M = 18.42, SE = 1.05, p < .001) and the “Increasing Emotional–Physical” trajectory ( M = 14.61, SE = 0.53, p < .01) exhibited elevated externalizing symptoms. The “Increasing Emotional–Physical” trajectory was associated with elevated internalizing symptoms ( M = 13.27, SE = 0.93, p < .001). Findings indicate the need for continuous, comprehensive assessment of maltreatment exposure and underscore the value of early, targeted interventions in enhancing children’s well-being.