Fattori di mediazione dell esperienza traumatica nei bambini maltrattati

This research forms part of the group of studies which analyses which individual and relational factors perform a mediational role in reducing or amplifying the negative impact of abuse on psychological adjustment. The total sample for the research was made up of 118 children of whom 60 were victims of confirmed abuse and 58 were non-abused. The psychological dimension analysed in both groups were: attachment bonds, intellectual level, coping strategies and internalizing and externalizing behaviours. The differences between the two groups show low competence levels in all dimensions. The further investigation carried out on the group of abused children, identifies in distraction coping strategies the mediator between the duration of the violence and externalizing symptoms. For internalizing symptoms, the mediation model was not confirmed and avoiding coping strategies, attachment bonds and violence with a threat to the physical integrity exert direct effects on adjustment.