JNSS 2025, 16(3-4):112-120 | DOI: 10.32725/jnss.2025.017

Impact of childhood neglect on violent victimization in early adolescence

Marsida Tafilica *, Kilda Gusha
University of Shkoder "Luigj Gurakuqi", Department of Psychology and Social Work, Shkodër, Albania

Purpose: The relationship between childhood neglect and subsequent violent victimization was examined using a large, nationally representative sample.

Methods: Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to examine childhood neglect and adolescent violent victimization at Wave 2. The data used for the present study included adolescents ranging from Grades 7 to 12. The logistic regression model tested the effect of childhood neglect on violent victimization in early adolescence, controlling for demographic factors, depression, self-esteem, and physical disability Results: After adjusting for socio-demographic factors and confounding risk variables (e.g., depression, self-esteem, physical disability), childhood neglect was found to be significantly associated with violent victimization at Wave 2. Furthermore, childhood neglect was significantly related to violent victimization for boys more than for girls, and for Black and Hispanics more than for White adolescents.

Conclusion: These results indicate that interventions should prioritize neglected children to avoid or at least minimize subsequent violent victimization during adolescence and promote long-term emotional and physical well-being.

Keywords: Childhood neglect; Early adolescence; Longitudinal study; Violent victimization
Conflicts of interest:

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Received: September 19, 2025; Revised: November 11, 2025; Accepted: December 11, 2025; Prepublished online: December 11, 2025; Published: December 12, 2025  Show citation

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Tafilica M, Gusha K. Impact of childhood neglect on violent victimization in early adolescence. Journal of Nursing, Social Studies, Public Health and Rehabilitation. 2025;16(3-4):112-120. doi: 10.32725/jnss.2025.017.
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