LE3 .A278 2006

2006

McWilliams, Lachlan

Acadia University

Master of Science

Masters

Psychology

Psychology

Previous research has shown that childhood abuse, poor physical health, and psychopathology are interrelated. Most research has focused on general indicators of health and psychopathology and their association with different types of abuse. This study used data from an epidemiological dataset (Midlife Development in the United States survey, 'N' = 3032) to examine the relationship between childhood emotional and physical abuse, specific health conditions, and four forms of psychopathology. It was hypothesized that psychological disorders would mediate the relationships between each form of childhood abuse and several specific health conditions. Emotional and physical childhood abuse were both positively and significantly associated with recurring back pain, migraine headaches, chronic sleep problems, and recurring stomach trouble or ulcers. Emotional abuse was also associated with diabetes, and physical abuse was also related to urinary or bladder conditions. Both forms of abuse were also positively and significantly associated with each form of psychopathology. In most cases psychopathology was found to be a significant partial mediator of the relationships between childhood abuse and health. Explanations for how psychopathology may act as a mechanism through which childhood abuse leads to poor health are offered, and implications for clinical practice and research are discussed.

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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:3029