Deep, Enduring Wounds: Does childhood maltreatment predict behavioral  emotion regulation?

Introduction: childhood maltreatment (CM) is a prevalent worldwide problem. CM is linked to mortality, morbidity and many pervasive short-and long-term consequences during life. There are indications that the way children respond to CM have important implications, some behavioral emotion regulation strategies have the potential to buffer against psychopathology, others can actually amplify risk. Hence, this study cross-sectionally investigated whether there would be an association between types of CM (specifically emotional abuse, emotional neglect and/or physical abuse) and the behavioral emotion regulation strategies withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Methods: behavioral coping styles and childhood trauma was assessed using an online survey among a sample from the general population (N = 599). Simple regression analyses and hierarchical regression analyses was performed to explore the association between CM and withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Results: CM positively...Show moreIntroduction: childhood maltreatment (CM) is a prevalent worldwide problem. CM is linked to mortality, morbidity and many pervasive short-and long-term consequences during life. There are indications that the way children respond to CM have important implications, some behavioral emotion regulation strategies have the potential to buffer against psychopathology, others can actually amplify risk. Hence, this study cross-sectionally investigated whether there would be an association between types of CM (specifically emotional abuse, emotional neglect and/or physical abuse) and the behavioral emotion regulation strategies withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Methods: behavioral coping styles and childhood trauma was assessed using an online survey among a sample from the general population (N = 599). Simple regression analyses and hierarchical regression analyses was performed to explore the association between CM and withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Results: CM positively predicted withdrawal. Co-occurrence of multiple forms of CM did not specifically predict more withdrawal and/or seeking distraction. Discussion: although not all hypotheses were confirmed, current findings may contribute to existing data as well to research in the future. Some of the current findings were in line with earlier research, other findings in contradiction to current literature. Limitations and suggestions for further research are discussed to increase knowledge about the possible associations between CM and behavioral emotion regulation strategies by which knowledge, prevention and interventions can be improved.Show less

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Deep, Enduring Wounds: Does childhood maltreatment predict behavioral emotion regulation?