The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment Timing on Adolescents’ Depression and Anxiety

This study examined the relationship between the timing of childhood maltreatment and depression and anxiety in adolescents. Using prospective data from 867 children and their caregivers from the Longitudinal Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), the effects of early childhood maltreatment (ages 0–5.99) and middle childhood maltreatment (ages 6–11.99) on depression and anxiety at age 16 were compared. Early childhood and middle childhood maltreatment were measured in three ways, including latent class analysis. Findings from multiple regression analysis revealed that only early childhood maltreatment significantly increased adolescents’ depression and anxiety, even after controlling for multiple covariates such as negative life events, social support, and caregiver depression. Strategies to improve early childhood maltreatment prevention and reduce adolescents’ depression/anxiety are also discussed.