Work

Using Multiple Informants to Assess Child Maltreatment: Concordance between Case File and Youth Self-Report

Year: 2014

Type: article

Abstract: To understand the psychosocial implications of child maltreatment, methods used to document prevalence must be clear. Yet, rates of maltreatment found in child self-report are generally inconsistent with data found in case files from state social service agencies. Although self-reports and case file reports of abuse disagree on occurrence of specific events, it is unclear if reporters agree when overall categories of abuse are considered. This study investigated differences between case file and youth report of abuse by examining four types of abuse: physical, sexual, neglect, and psychological, in a within-subjects design using a sample of 97 youth in foster care aged 8 to 22. Case files were coded for the presence of any indication of each type of abuse. Self-report of abuse was also assessed for any indication of each type of abuse. Results indicated that, overall, youth reported more physical and psychological abuse, and younger youth reported more sexual abuse than documented in their file. Implications for research and service provision for maltreated youth are discussed.

Source: Journal of Aggression Maltreatment & Trauma

DOI: 10.1080/10926771.2014.933463

Authors: Erin P. Hambrick, Angela M. Tunno, Joy Gabrielli, Yo Jackson, Cassidy Belz

Institution: University of Kansas

Language: English

Topic: Child Abuse and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders