Reliability and convergent validity of retrospective reports of childhood maltreatment by individuals with bipolar disorder. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hosang, Georgina M.; Manoli, Athina; Shakoor, Sania; Fisher, Helen L.; Parker, Camilla
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 321(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Bipolar disorder -- Adverse childhood experiences -- Child abuse -- Child neglect -- Reliability -- Validity; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Highlights: Past research uses retrospective self-reports of maltreatment which can be biased. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was examined in a bipolar disorder sample. Good convergent validity was found between the CTQ and Parental Bonding Instrument. Very good 10-year test-retest reliability of CTQ retrospective self-reports found. Those who retrospectively self-reported child abuse had more severe mood symptoms. Abstract: Childhood maltreatment is associated with the etiology and clinical course of bipolar disorder. Most studies employ retrospective maltreatment self-reports which are vulnerable to bias, raising questions about their validity and reliability. This study examined the test-retest reliability over 10 years, the convergent validity and the impact of current mood on retrospective reports of childhood maltreatment in a bipolar sample. 85 participants with bipolar I disorder completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire [CTQ] and the Parental Bonding Instrument [PBI] at baseline. Beck Depression Inventory and Self Report Mania Inventory assessed depressive and manic symptoms, respectively. 53 participants completed the CTQ at baseline and 10-year follow-up. Good levels of convergent validity were observed between the CTQ and PBI. Correlations ranged from rs = -0.35 (CTQ emotional abuse and PBI paternal care) to rs = -0.65 (CTQ emotional neglect and PBI maternal care). Good agreement between CTQ reports at baseline and 10-year follow-up were found (range: κ=0.41 for physical neglect to κ=0.83 for sexual abuse). Higher depression and mania scores were recorded among participants who reported abuse (but not neglect) compared to those without such reports. These findings support using this method in research and clinical practice, though current mood should be taken into account.