Relationships among child abuse, date abuse, and psychological problems.

Data on child abuse, date abuse and psychological problems were gathered from the same participants, 133 female undergraduates, in order to better examine possible relationships among the variables. Verbal abuse in childhood or on dates was examined as well as physical and sexual abuse. Factors influencing whether people remain in or leave abusive relationships were examined, along with possible mediators of the relationships between child abuse, date abuse, and psychological problems. Verbal, physical, and sexual child abuse were all associated with an increased risk of later date abuse or psychological problems. Abuse by a date was also associated with psychological problems. Low self-esteem and anger may have played mediating roles.