PSYCHOSOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PHYSICALLY ABUSED-CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Objective: To examine the association between physical abuse and selec ted psychosocial measures in a community-based probability sample of c hildren and adolescents. Method: A sample of 9- through 17-year-olds ( N = 665) and their caretakers in New York State and Puerto Rico were i nterviewed in the Methods for the Epidemiology of Child and Adolescent Mental Disorders (MECA) Study. Assessments included the Columbia Impa irment Scale, the Instrumental and Social Competence Scale, the Diagno stic Interview Schedule for Children, the Peabody Picture Vocabulary T est, and questions regarding physical abuse. Regression analyses were conducted controlling for family income, family psychiatric history, p erinatal problems, physical health, and sexual abuse. Results: A histo ry of physical abuse was reported in 172 (25.9%) of the sample. It was significantly associated with global impairment, poor social competen ce, major depression, conduct disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, agoraphobia, overanxious disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder b ut not with suicidality, school grades, or receptive language ability. Conclusion: A community probability sample of children and adolescent s demonstrated significant associations between physical abuse and psy chopathology, after controlling for potential confounders. This suppor ts comprehensive screening for psychopathology among physically abused children and for physical abuse among those with psychopathology. Int erventions aimed at improving social competence may be indicated.