CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT PATTERNS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationship between distinct patterns of child abuse and neglect (CAN) and mental health outcomes among second-year high-school students in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Focusing on gender-specific nuances, the research seeks to identify latent classes of CAN and their association with psychological distress. Methods A survey involving 693 adolescents implemented the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) to assess CAN patterns. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) identified three classes: "mild emotional violence and physical punishment," "emotional maltreatment and physical punishment," and a concerning "poly-victimization class." Mental health outcomes were measured using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). Multivariate linear regression models were employed to analyze associations. Results The study revealed a substantial proportion of adolescents experiencing severe forms of victimization, with girls more exposed to sexual abuse and boys facing higher rates of physical abuse. Belonging to the "poly-victimization" class significantly correlated with elevated psychological distress for both genders. The severity of CAN classes demonstrated a linear association with mental health outcomes. Conclusions This research contributes nuanced insights into the prevalence and impact of CAN, emphasizing the importance of gender-specific considerations. Gender differences in vulnerability to poly-vicimization and sexual abuse and the linear relationship between these and psychological distress highlight the need for differentiated strategies addressing poly-victimization experiences to mitigate the significant mental health burden among adolescents in urban South America.