Neuropsychological Profile of Children, Adolescents and Adults Experiencing Maltreatment: A Meta-analysis.

Publication Type:

Journal Article

Authors:

Masson, Marjolaine; Bussières, Eve-Line; East-Richard, Caroline; R-Mercier, Alexandra; Caroline Cellard

Source:

Clin Neuropsychol, Volume 29, Issue 5, p.573-94 (2015)

Keywords:

Adolescent, Adult, Attention, Child, Child Abuse, Child, Preschool, Cognition Disorders, Female, Humans, Intelligence, Male, Memory, Short-Term, Neuropsychological Tests, Physical Abuse, Young Adult

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have attempted to describe the range of cognitive impairments affecting people who have experienced child maltreatment. The aim of this meta-analysis was to examine the neuropsychological profile of these people and to determine the cognitive impacts of maltreatment from childhood to adulthood.METHOD: Fifty-two publications from 1970 to 2013 were included.RESULTS: The affected cognitive domains were working memory (g = -.65), attention (g = -.63), intelligence (g = -.56) and speed of processing (g = -.49). The impact of maltreatment was greater in young children (g = -.71) and less pronounced in adults (g = -.26).CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that exposure to maltreatment has an impact on specific cognitive processes, regardless of age.