Abuse, feelings, and health behaviors in a student population
R. A. Hibbard, C. J. Brack, S. Rauch and D. P. Orr
Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis.
Behavioral sequelae of child abuse are frequently cited, but there are few
studies that examine the strength of association between behavioral effect
and abuse for children in a nonclinical setting. Seven hundred twelve
junior high school students (mean age, 13.5 years) were surveyed for
self-report of personal experience with abuse, certain health behaviors,
and self-esteem. Physical and/or sexual abuse was reported by 18.3% of
students. Both types of abuse were associated with the following behaviors:
running away; considering hurting oneself; suicide attempts; and the use of
drugs, pot (marijuana), cigarettes, and laxatives. No clinically
significant relationships were found between abuse and report of anger,
sadness, or self-esteem. These data suggested that some feelings and
behaviors were common among all adolescents sampled, while others were more
common among abused adolescents. Recognition of strong associations should
help direct clinical management. The results of this study confirm findings
from some previous reports and indicate the need for further studies of
children who are not in a clinical setting.
