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Role of Shame in Predicting Adult Anger and Depressive Symptoms Among Victims of Child Psychological Maltreatment

NCJ Number
209515
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 19 Issue: 6 Dated: December 2004 Pages: 367-375
Author(s)
Felicity W. K. Harper; Ileana Arias
Date Published
December 2004
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study examined the moderating role of shame in the link between victim reactions to child psychological maltreatment and adult anger and depressive symptoms.
Abstract
Previous findings on shame and psychological outcomes, combined with a link between psychological maltreatment and shame-proneness, suggest that shame may be an important factor in adjustment for victims of child maltreatment. The current study adds to the existing literature by examining subjective interpretations of the maltreatment as a predictor of adult outcomes. Data were collected from 373 undergraduate students recruited from introductory psychology courses at a large Southeastern university. Participants were administered the Psychological Maltreatment Inventory, which is designed to assess retrospective reports of child psychological maltreatment. The Test of Self-Conscious Affect was used to assess shame, guilt, detachment, externalization, alpha pride (pride in self), and beta pride (pride in behavior). Other instruments were used to measure anger expression and depressive symptoms. Findings showed that shame moderated between child psychological maltreatment and adult anger for men but not for women; whereas, shame moderated between child psychological maltreatment and depressive symptoms for adult women. This suggests that gender should be considered in designing and developing therapeutic techniques for the treatment and prevention of anger and depression in adult survivors of child psychological maltreatment. 4 tables, 2 figures, and 64 references