Presentation description

Abuse and neglect can have lasting effects on one's well-being. These experiences of maltreatment have more adverse effects when they exist in the context of important developmental periods, such as in childhood and adolescence.

As children grow, they use their life experiences to create a worldview. Interactions, especially those of maltreatment, may directly affect how children make sense of their environment. Individuals carry this road map of the world with them as they age. If maltreatment is a part of this map, these experiences may continue to have enduring effects on individuals. For instance, child maltreatment could impact how individuals approach and navigate parenting in adulthood.

It is important to understand what factors explain the effects of childhood maltreatment on later parenting. One possible element is parents' mental health symptoms. Parenting requires one to work on regulating their emotions and prioritizing their needs, while also taking care of these needs for their children.

This project evaluated whether childhood maltreatment could predict mental health problems and less responsive parenting. Additionally, it also aimed to see if mental health predicts parenting behavior.