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Physical punishment/maltreatment during childhood and adjustment in young adulthood Fergusson, D.M. (David Murray); Lynskey, Michael T.

By: Contributor(s): Material type: ArticleArticleSeries: Child Abuse & NeglectPublication details: 1997ISSN:
  • 0145-2134
Subject(s): Online resources: In: Child Abuse & Neglect 21(7) July 1997 : 617-630Summary: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between retrospective reports of physical punishment and maltreatment occurring in childhood, and the rates of adjustment difficulties at age 18. The data was gathered over an 18-year period as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, which comprised of 1,265 children born in Christchurch, New Zealand. These children were studied at birth, 4 months old, at annual intervals to the age of 16 years, and again at age 18 years. The results of this study indicate a continuum of exposure to physical abuse and maltreatment that ranges from no exposure to physical punishment to severe, harsh, and abusive treatment. The majority of children in this study reported that their parents never or seldom used physical punishment. However, in approximately 4% of the sample, overly frequent, harsh, or abusive treatment was reported. The authors report three major conclusions: those exposed to harsh or abusive treatment during childhood are an at-risk population for juvenile offending, substance abuse, and mental health problems; the social context within which harsh or abusive treatment occurs is a factor in much of this elevated risk; and exposure to abuse appears to increase risks of involvement in violent behaviour and alcohol abuse.
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Child Abuse & Neglect 21(7) July 1997 : 617-630

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between retrospective reports of physical punishment and maltreatment occurring in childhood, and the rates of adjustment difficulties at age 18. The data was gathered over an 18-year period as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study, which comprised of 1,265 children born in Christchurch, New Zealand. These children were studied at birth, 4 months old, at annual intervals to the age of 16 years, and again at age 18 years. The results of this study indicate a continuum of exposure to physical abuse and maltreatment that ranges from no exposure to physical punishment to severe, harsh, and abusive treatment. The majority of children in this study reported that their parents never or seldom used physical punishment. However, in approximately 4% of the sample, overly frequent, harsh, or abusive treatment was reported. The authors report three major conclusions: those exposed to harsh or abusive treatment during childhood are an at-risk population for juvenile offending, substance abuse, and mental health problems; the social context within which harsh or abusive treatment occurs is a factor in much of this elevated risk; and exposure to abuse appears to increase risks of involvement in violent behaviour and alcohol abuse.