Health Outcomes Following Childhood Maltreatment: An Examination of the Biopsychosocial Model

Abstract

Child maltreatment constitutes a notoriously large problem within the healthcare field and is associated with significant biological, psychological, and social consequences across the lifespan. Objectives: The primary aim of this study was to examine the biopsychosocial outcomes of an adult population who reported a history of child maltreatment. Method: Data from the Midlife Development in the United States 2 Biomarker Project were used. The analytic sample in the present study included 1228 adults. AMOS 23 was used to conduct structural equation modeling and fit two separate models in order to examine the relationships between childhood maltreatment and biopsychosocial variables for both men and women. Results: Childhood maltreatment had a direct association with cortisol levels, subjective well-being, positive life events, depression, and physical symptoms and conditions for both men and women. Discussion: The present study offers unique contributions toward the examination of biopsychosocial outcomes following maltreatment. Practical implications and future directions are addressed.