Testing a cascade model of linkage between child abuse and negative mental health among battered women in Japan

This study examined the following hypotheses: (1) a child abuse history (CAH), domestic violence (DV), and child abuse by an intimate partner might have a crucial and specific influence but act differently on women's negative mental health; (2) CAH, DV, child abuse by an intimate partner, and negative mental health might be predictors of maternal child abuse, with complex interactions. A self-administered questionnaire survey was conducted among a sample of mothers (N = 304) and their children (N = 498) staying in 83 Mother–Child Homes in Japan to assess the women's CAH and DV experiences, along with their current mental health problems, including dissociated, depressed, and traumatic symptoms. A structural equation modeling (SEM) was adapted to test whether a complex theoretical model fits the actual relationship among a set of observed measures. Our model confirmed the linkage with broader aspects of violence within the family such as CAH and DV, focusing on women's mental health problems reported by them. In addition, CAH, DV, child abuse by intimate partner, and maternal mental health might have a crucial and specific but act influence on maternal child abuse.

► We examine the relationship between women's negative mental health and various types of family violence. ► We conducted a survey among mothers (N = 304) and their children (N = 498) staying in 83 Mother–Child Homes in Japan. ► Childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and child abuse by intimate partner were correlated with each other. ► Women's negative mental health might be predictors of maternal child abuse. ► Our testing structural equation modeling was supported, suggesting a cascade of violence.