Poster #58 - The Differential Influence of Childhood Maltreatment Subtype and Age of Exposure on Empathy

• In Event: Poster Session 12

Abstract

Exposure to caregiver perpetrated maltreatment across development has been associated with aberrant levels of empathy (Brassard et al., 2022; Gobin et al., 2015; Greenberg et al., 2018; Simons et al., 2002). However, research is mixed on whether childhood maltreatment contributes to higher or lower levels of empathy. Different subtypes of maltreatment and age of exposure offer potential explanations on the directionality of these associations. The current study aims to elucidate the contributions of childhood maltreatment subtypes and age of exposure in predicting later state and trait empathy. Participants (N=94, M age=19.12 years, 45.7% male) self-reported their age of exposure to maltreatment from caregivers. Maltreatment was categorized into three subtypes: physical maltreatment, neglect (physical and emotional), and nonphysical harsh interactions (verbal abuse and nonverbal emotional abuse). Age of exposure to each subtype was binned into two categories: pre-adolescent exposure (3 to 11 years old) and adolescent exposure (12 to 18 years old). Next, participants self-reported their trait empathy and completed a vignette measure aimed to assess state empathy. State and trait empathy were regressed onto each of the three subscales of maltreatment. Results revealed neglect across development negatively predicted both state (b=-.68, t(90)=-2.17, p=.03) and trait empathy (b=-9.05, t(92)=-2.63, p=.01). Physical maltreatment across development was only predictive of higher trait empathy (b=6.35, t(92)=2.01, p=.047). Nonphysical harsh interactions did not significantly predict state (b=.50, t(90)=1.81, p=.07) or trait empathy (b=3.12, t(92)=1.00, p=.32). Relative weights analysis revealed that adolescent exposure to neglect was significantly more impactful than pre-adolescent exposure in negatively predicting state empathy (95% CI [.01, .12]). Adolescent exposure accounted for 73.41% of the contribution of total neglect in predicting state empathy (total R2 =.10). These results illuminate the nuanced associations of maltreatment subtype exposure across development and state versus trait empathy. Disseminating findings to health care providers, teachers, parents, and victims of childhood maltreatment may engender implementation of prevention and intervention strategies to increase empathy and contribute to a more harmonious society.

Author

• Kate Lynn Senich, State University of New York at Albany (SUNY Albany)
  Presenting Author