Childhood abuse and externalizing behavior among immigrant high school students

Abstract

There is a current lack of data on the relation between childhood abuse and behavior problems in recently immigrated Latino youth and potential protective factors. This study sought to assess rates of abuse, explore relations between abuse and behavior problems, and examine peer attachment as a possible moderator in 76 recently immigrated high school students. High rates of prior abuse were observed: 36.84% emotional abuse, 22.37% physical abuse, and 9.21% sexual abuse. Emotional abuse was associated with conduct problems (B = 4.19, 95% CI [3.88, 9.39], t = 2.23, p =.028). In the context of physical abuse, peer attachment played a significant, mitigating role on conduct problems (B = −.02, 95% CI [−.05,.00], t = −1.10, p =.049). Results require replication but suggest a critical need for attention to immigrant youth as a highly victimized sample with a high risk for conduct problems.