Quality of Interpersonal Relationship Profiles (Same-sex peer, Opposite-sex peer, and Romantic Relationships) Among Adolescents at Risk of Maltreatment

Background/Purpose: Previous studies have identified distinct roles of different interpersonal relationships in adolescent internalizing/externalizing symptoms based on developmental stage. For example, same-sex peers are the primary source of influence during early adolescence while romantic relationships are more impactful during late adolescence. Most studies, however, used variable-centered methods, neglecting to identify sub-groups of people who share similarities in interpersonal relationships. In addition, adolescents who are exposed to maltreatment have increased vulnerabilities in relationships. However, prior studies have not examined how characteristics of child maltreatment (i.e., types, co-occurrence, timing of onset, chronicity) differ by interpersonal relationships. To address this gap, this study investigated 1) heterogeneity in the patterns of interpersonal relationships (same-sex peer, opposite-sex peer, and romantic partner); 2) different characteristics of child maltreatment by the identified patterns; and 3) the association between interpersonal relationships and internalizing/externalizing symptoms.

Methods: This study includes a sample of 459 adolescents (57.5% female, 58.6% Black, and 29.9% low income) from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect who reported all interpersonal relationships at age 18. Interpersonal relationships were assessed using the Network of Relationships Inventory. The modified maltreatment classification system was used to measure types (physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect), co-occurrence (number of different maltreatment types), timing (early childhood, middle childhood, adolescence), and chronicity of maltreatment (number of maltreatment occurrences in developmental periods). Adolescent self-report was used to assess adolescent internalizing/externalizing symptoms. Child gender, race, and household income were used as covariates. Latent profile analysis was performed using Mplus 8.3.

Results: A three-class solution was identified as the optimal model: 1) overall poor relationships (23.1%); 2) positive relationships with only same sex peer (17.2%); and 3) overall positive relationships (59.7%). Comparing characteristics of child maltreatment by the identified profiles revealed that youth with experiences of emotional abuse in their lifetime are more likely to be involved in either overall poor relationships or overall positive relationships, compared to the positive relationships with only same sex peer. Regarding the relationship with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, youth in positive relationships with only same sex peers reported having more internalizing and externalizing symptoms than those in overall positive relationships and overall poor relationships.

Conclusion:

These findings illustrate the need for a deeper understanding of how interpersonal relationships influence internalizing and externalizing symptoms within the context of child maltreatment. The higher internalizing/externalizing symptoms of adolescents in positive relationships with only same sex peers, compared to adolescents in overall poor relationships highlight significant implications for practitioners. Namely, they point to considerations of the crucial role of romantic relationships despite a strong relationship with same sex peers. Additionally, findings underscore the consequences of emotional abuse on life-long relationship building skills and emphasizes the need for early prevention efforts for this population.