The Effect of Differences in Objective and Subjective Definitions of Childhood Physical Abuse on Estimates of its Incidence and Relationship to Psychopathology

The relationship between objective & subjective definitions of physical abuse & lifetime prevalence of depression was examined in 280 women. Based on their responses to a detailed questionnaire regarding discipline & abuse in childhood, 28.2% of the sample were objectively defined as abused. The proportion of women who experienced depression during their lifetime was highest among those who defined themselves as abused. A similar relationship was found for a history of suicide attempts.