Distinct subgroups of adolescents’ psychological maltreatment, emotional problems, and emotion dysregulation: a latent profile analysis

Psychological maltreatment (PM) is a multidimensional construct that includes both cognitive and emotional aspects of maltreatment. It has devastating effects on individuals, which differ from one person to another. Utilizing latent profile analysis (LPA) facilitates exploring interactions among latent subgroups. However, few studies have investigated this construct using a person-centered approach. Therefore, in the present study, we conceptualized a multidimensional construct and utilized LPA that includes PM, emotional problems (i.e., depression, anxiety, negative self-concept, somatization, and hostility), and emotion dysregulation as profile indicators. Furthermore, the cognitive aspect of the sub-classes was predicted through cognitive flexibility. Data were gathered from 523 adolescents aged 14- 17 (Mage = 15.58, SD ± 1.21). The findings indicate that five distinct latent profiles have emerged: Profile 1 “Typical (slightly below-average) Maltreatment – Typical (slightly below-average) Emotion Dysregulation – Low Emotional Problems” (22.8%), Profile 2 “Low Maltreatment – Low Emotion Dysregulation – Very Low Emotional Problems (Lowest overall)” (10.5%), Profile 3 “Typical/Average Maltreatment – Typical/Average Emotion Dysregulation – Typical/Average Emotional Problems” (25.6%), Profile 4 “Typical/Average Maltreatment – Moderately Elevated Emotion Dysregulation – Very High Emotional Problems” (16.4%), Profile 5 “Typical/Average Maltreatment – Typical/Average Emotion Dysregulation – Moderately Elevated Emotional Problems” (24.7%). Cognitive flexibility was found to be a predictor of all latent profiles. Research based on mixture modeling approaches offers a supplementary perspective to the existing literature on psychopathology. The findings may help practitioners identify victims of psychological maltreatment through cognitive flexibility and significantly enhance the development of intervention strategies based on their profile types.