Mediating pathways explaining psychosocial functioning and revictimization as sequelae of parental violence among adolescent mothers

摘要

Adolescent mothers are at high risk for negative life events such as previous childhood physical abuse, impaired psychosocial functioning, and young adulthood revictimization. Yet, little is known about the potential pathways, and hence opportunities for intervention, in these events. This study used structural equation modeling to investigate mediators of the effects of parental child abuse on later psychosocial functioning and revictimization (in the form of intimate partner violence and sexual violence) among adolescent mothers using longitudinal data spanning 2.4 years. On psychological distress in the final time period, parental physical child abuse had an early and then maintained effect, but also effects mediated by earlier psychological distress and revictimization. Psychological distress rather than substance use appeared as the primary psychosocial factor mediating the effects of parental violence both on future distress and on revictimization. To prevent further psychosocial impairment and revictimization, these findings indicate the need for early intervention with adolescent mothers who come from abusive families and who display higher levels of psychological distress.