Link to the University of Pittsburgh Homepage
Link to the University Library System Homepage Link to the Contact Us Form

Interpersonal Relationships, Access to CPS Resources, and Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: Implications for Child Maltreatment Intervention

Beard, Imani (2022) Interpersonal Relationships, Access to CPS Resources, and Physical and Mental Health Outcomes: Implications for Child Maltreatment Intervention. Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

[img]
Preview
PDF
Download (4MB) | Preview

Abstract

Background
Child Maltreatment is a severely underreported public health concern that impacts at least 4 million child a year, disproportionally impacts marginalized communities and those with specific risk factors and can cause lifetime repercussions for the involved families. Due to the highly sensitive and consequential nature of child maltreatment, research is continually being performed to ensure that interventions in place are sustainable, highly effective, and based on what may be more impactful for those who need it most. In addition, research continues to be performed to gain a better understanding of the pathway between early life experiences and later health outcomes.

Methods
Using the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW II) General Release Data, this project analyzed associations between maltreatment experience and later health outcomes relating to physical health and depression. This project targeted children aged 8 – 17 that had recent contact with the child welfare system and only Wave 1 data was reviewed. This project looked at how close interpersonal relationships with caregivers and peers and support from caseworkers could moderate the appearance and severity of negative health outcomes which has been shown in the literature to be closely related to maltreatment.

Results
Peer and Caregiver relationships had a positive association with the child’s depression scores meaning that as they reported improved relationships or decreased loneliness, these were associated with lower depression scores for the children. Even when accounting for the age between adolescents and teens, peer relationships continued to show a positive association with a child’s depression scores. Exposure to violence as both a witness or victim more than one time was positively associated with depression scores of the children as well.

Conclusion
The importance of social support for children and their families cannot be understated, and needs to include individual's outside of familial relationships, such as a child’s peers. The cumulative effects of multiple traumatic events for children must also be acknowledged to gain a better understanding of how interpersonal and community support can serve as a potential protective factor for these children during important developmental periods in their life.


Share

Citation/Export:
Social Networking:
Share |

Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Beard, ImaniIRB17@pitt.eduIRB170000-0002-1809-2033
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee CoChairHill, Shirley Ysyh50@pitt.eduSYH50
Committee CoChairDeem, Michaelmdeem@pitt.eduMDEEM
Committee MemberVaughn-Coaxum, Rachel Arav52@pitt.eduRAV52
Committee MemberDurst, Andrea Ladurst@pitt.eduADURST
Date: 23 May 2022
Date Type: Publication
Defense Date: 25 April 2022
Approval Date: 23 May 2022
Submission Date: 20 May 2022
Access Restriction: 1 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 1 year.
Number of Pages: 88
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: School of Public Health > Public Health Genetics
Degree: MPH - Master of Public Health
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: child maltreatment, child protective services, NDACAN, CPS, social support
Date Deposited: 23 May 2022 14:16
Last Modified: 23 May 2023 05:15
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/43023

Metrics

Monthly Views for the past 3 years

Plum Analytics


Actions (login required)

View Item View Item