Profiles of Adaptation Among Child Victims of Suspected Maltreatment

J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2017 Nov-Dec;46(6):840-847. doi: 10.1080/15374416.2015.1072822. Epub 2015 Nov 13.

Abstract

This research seeks to identify profiles of adaptation among child victims of suspected maltreatment using a social-ecological framework. Data were drawn from the LONGSCAN multisite longitudinal study. Participants were 597 12-year-old children of diverse backgrounds (57% girls) with at least one Child Protective Services report of suspected maltreatment (M = 3.4 reports). Self-, caregiver-, and teacher-reports were collected to assess child competence, psychological and behavioral problems, and family and neighborhood characteristics. Latent Profile Analysis was used to classify individuals into empirically derived groups. The best-fitting model yielded five distinct profiles: consistent resilience; consistent maladaptation; posttraumatic stress problems; school maladaptation, family protection; and low socialization skills. Findings underscore the heterogeneity of child adaptation and reveal unique profiles of adaptation and contextual protection. Within-person variation in functioning suggests the need for comprehensive assessment across domains and contexts to address the clinical needs of maltreated youth.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male