The aim of this dissertation was to explore the biological correlates of child maltreatment in a family context. We used an extended family design to investigate intergenerational transmission of... Show moreThe aim of this dissertation was to explore the biological correlates of child maltreatment in a family context. We used an extended family design to investigate intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment, the role of heritability in child maltreatment, and the association of child maltreatment with parent-childresting state connectome similarity (RScs), hair glucocorticoids, and BMI. In sum, these studies show that child maltreatment (in particular abuse) runs in families– partly because of genetic factors, partly because of environmental factors – is associated with less dyadic RScs, and higher long-term hair cortisone levels andweight. Thus, four biological systems – genetic, neural activation, endocrine, metabolic – are implicated in child maltreatment at a family level. Show less
In 2017 waren in Nederland tussen de 90.000 en 127.000 kinderen van 0 tot 18 jaar slachtoffer van een vorm van kindermishandeling. Zowel in Nederland als in andere landen lijkt het aantal... Show moreIn 2017 waren in Nederland tussen de 90.000 en 127.000 kinderen van 0 tot 18 jaar slachtoffer van een vorm van kindermishandeling. Zowel in Nederland als in andere landen lijkt het aantal slachtoffers van kindermishandeling niet te zijn afgenomen de afgelopen jaren. Dit heeft mogelijk te maken met de complexiteit van het probleem.Om tot een meer integratief beeld te komen van de antecedenten en consequenties van kindermishandeling bestudeerden we het functioneren van individuen op verschillende niveaus (fysiologie, cognitie, gedrag). Dit deden we binnen een multigenerationeel familieonderzoek.Samengenomen kunnen we op basis van de bevindingen verschillende conclusies trekken over mishandeling (bv. slaan, schelden) en verwaarlozing (bv. je kind onvoldoende van voedsel voorzien). Allereerst vonden we een sterkere evidentie voor de intergenerationele overdracht van mishandeling dan voor de intergenerationele overdracht van verwaarlozing. Daarnaast hing mishandeling samen met ouderlijk gedrag: ouders die mishandeling hadden ervaren in hun jeugd en mishandeling pleegden waren negatiever richting hun kinderen. Verwaarlozing, daarentegen, hing sterker samen met fysiologische reacties van ouders: ouders die meer waren verwaarloosd in hun jeugd lieten een verhoogde stressreactiviteit zien. Deze resultaten onderstrepen het belang om onderscheid te maken tussen mishandeling en verwaarlozing, zowel in onderzoek als in de praktijk. Show less
Knowledge of risk factors associated with child maltreatment is critical in assessing the risk for future child maltreatment, and for preventing child maltreatment. Using data from two... Show moreKnowledge of risk factors associated with child maltreatment is critical in assessing the risk for future child maltreatment, and for preventing child maltreatment. Using data from two empirical studies, this dissertation focuses on the risk associated with having experienced childhood maltreatment and on emotion processing deficits as a risk factor. Additionally, because accurately measuring maltreatment experiences is important, we explored the relation between parents’ and children’s perspectives on maltreatment. Results revealed that there was modest agreement between parents and children on parent-to-child maltreatment, especially on emotional neglect. On average, children reported more emotional neglect as victims than parents as perpetrators. Next, we found evidence for type-to-type intergenerational transmission of maltreatment: Abused parents were more likely to abuse their own children, while neglected parents were more likely to neglect. Moreover, neglecting parents showed difficulties identifying fear in others, but this could not explain the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment. Lastly, maltreating mothers used excessive force more often while listening to infant crying and laughter than non-maltreating mothers. Overall, maltreating parents –and neglectful parents in particular– seem less adept in emotion processing: They were less successful in regulating their behavior when exposed to child-related emotional stimuli and showed specific difficulties in emotion recognition. Show less
