Impact of Maltreatment on Mental Health: A Comparative Analysis of School-Going Children

Abstract

Child maltreatment, a global concern transcending geographic, social, and cultural boundaries, carries profound implications for affected individuals. This issue, encompassing physical and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect, poses significant risks to children's health, development, and dignity within relationships of trust and power. Extensive research has elucidated the adverse effects of child maltreatment, spanning physical, developmental, cognitive, emotional, behavioural, and social domains, as well as its links to various mental health disorders. This study explores the multifaceted impact of child maltreatment on the mental health of children aged 8-11 years, providing a foundational understanding for future research. Specifically designed questionnaire was utilized to assess mental health. The study involved a sample of 400 children and employed statistical analyses. Findings reveal prevalent instances of child maltreatment in Kashmir, with noteworthy disparities between maltreated and other school going children, emphasizing the critical implications of childhood maltreatment on mental well-being. The statistical significance of the association also underscores the impact of maltreatment on mental health outcomes in different geographic contexts