Maltreatment and Adolescence
Adolescence marks a time of significant transition across a variety of domains, including physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and interpersonal development. The consequences of abuse and neglect on these developmental changes and challenges are extremely complex. This article reviews issues salient to the short- and long-term consequences of maltreatment experiences among adolescents. The key topics that are addressed include definitional considerations in the classification of abuse and neglect, the incidence and prevalence of adolescent maltreatment, and an ecological perspective on risk and protective factors. Research findings related to deleterious behavioral, physical, and psychological effects of maltreatment are explored, as well as the significant societal and economic implications of maltreatment. Finally, evidence-based approaches to clinical care and directions for prevention efforts are examined. © 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.