Impact of child maltreatment on intelligence and problem behaviors in Korean Children

Objectives: To investigate the impact of maltreatment on intelligence and problem behaviors in Korean children. Methods: This study was retrospective observational study. We used data from the Korean National Child Protection... [ view full abstract ]

Objectives: To investigate the impact of maltreatment on intelligence and problem behaviors in Korean children.
Methods: This study was retrospective observational study. We used data from the Korean National Child Protection Agency’s National Childhood Maltreatment Information System, collected between 2012 and 2014. The victims’ intelligence quotient (IQ) was assessed using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale, and problem behaviors were evaluated using the Childhood Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self Report (YSR).
Results: The Wechsler Intelligence Scale was administered to 1,579 children (median age, 11 years; interquartile range [IQR], 8–13 years; 59.0% boys). The median duration of maltreatment was 24 (IQR, 6–50) months. The median IQ was 84 (IQR, 71–95) with IQ <85 in 51.7% of the children. The neglect group IQ (median, 76.5; IQR, 62–90) was lower than that of the other maltreatment types. The CBCL (n = 94) and YSR (n = 51) were administered to 145 children (median age, 11 years (IQR, 8–13 years; 66.2% boys). The mean duration of maltreatment was 24 (IQR, 6–54) months. A comparison with normal age-matched Korean children (T scores = 50) revealed that the mean total competency, internalizing/externalizing, and all subscale scores were significantly higher in the abused children (P < 0.001). All DSM-oriented subscale scores were significantly higher than the norm in abused children.
Conclusion: Childhood maltreatment had a significant, adverse effect on cognitive and emotional function. Of the maltreatment types, neglect had the most harmful effect on IQ and significantly impaired all emotional, behavioral, and social aspects of the children’s lives.