Childhood Maltreatment and Traumatic Brain Injury: The Role of Violent Victimization Experiences

• In Event: New Findings on the Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment: Results of a Prospective Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Previous research has reported associations of childhood adversities (and particularly childhood maltreatment) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), although there are inconsistencies in the literature. In addition, mechanisms that might explain the link remain unknown. A separate body of research identifies associations between lifetime experiences of victimization and trauma, including intimate partner violence victimization, and TBI. To fill these gaps in knowledge, the current study explores whether lifetime experiences of victimization and trauma, including partner violence victimization, mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment and TBI. Utilizing a prospective cohort design, the study followed children with court-substantiated cases of abuse and neglect and a demographically matched control group who did not experience childhood abuse or neglect from childhood into adulthood. Between 2000 and 2002, information was collected from the participants who were adults at the time (Mage = 39 years) about lifetime trauma and victimization experiences and TBI was assessed in interviews conducted between 2003 and 2005 (Mage = 41 years). Findings suggest the importance of screening TBI victims for a history of trauma and victimization, including childhood maltreatment and intimate partner violence.

Authors

• Alexander Legg, CUNY John Jay College of Criminal Justice

• Cathy Spatz Widom, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, CUNY