The relationship between maltreatment and mental health problems in Spanish adolescents

A study of adolescents in Madrid links child maltreatment to a higher risk of mental health problems

Child maltreatment is a serious public health problem worldwide, with major consequences for the psychological, social and neurobiological development of children and adolescents. Recent estimates from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that approximately one billion children and adolescents experience some form of violence or neglect each year (WHO, 2024).

In Spain, around 25% of adolescents aged 14 to 17 have experienced some form of family violence in the past year (UNICEF, 2025). In addition, the prevalence of child sexual abuse is estimated at around 9% among boys and 22% among girls (Ferragut et al., 2021; Pineda et al., 2023).

Against this backdrop, a study conducted in Spain examined how childhood experiences of maltreatment relate to emotional health and behaviour during adolescence, drawing on a sample of 1,526 adolescents. Using latent profile analysis, the researchers identified two main groups: one with low levels of maltreatment and another that had experienced higher levels of various forms of maltreatment, such as physical or emotional abuse and neglect. This second group accounted for 7.5% of participants and was predominantly made up of girls (73%), a markedly higher proportion than in the low-maltreatment group (53%).

The results show that adolescents in the group that had experienced more maltreatment more frequently reported depressive symptoms, suicidal thoughts and attempts, and self-harming behaviours. They also had greater difficulties regulating their emotions, higher alcohol use and more gaming-related problems. In addition, they perceived less support from those around them.

The findings therefore highlight the need to identify these situations as early as possible and to provide psychological support, strengthen emotion regulation skills, and reinforce family and social support networks.

Original work:

Suárez-Soto, E., Arqueros, M., García-Ramos, A., Ayad-Ahmed, W., Pedrola-Pons, A., Díaz-De las Heras, I., & de la Torre-Luque, A. (2026). A latent profile analysis of child maltreatment and its psychosocial correlates in a sample of school-aged adolescents. Child Abuse & Neglect, 182, Article 108366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2026.108366