Maltreatment Complexity: A Closer Look

Meta-analysis reveals no significant differences between types of maltreatment, suggesting that abuse and neglect often coexist and complicate individual experiences. This clustering of maltreatment challenges efforts to isolate their effects. Additionally, individuals sometimes struggle to accurately perceive and acknowledge their experiences of abuse, particularly in the context of complex PTSD, where downplaying or negating the impact of such experiences can occur, as seen in behaviors identified in adult attachment interviews.