Women's Health: The Impact of Child Abuse on Healthcare Utilization
Abstract
Research has consistently shown the negative consequences associated with child
abuse. Specifically, those with a history of child abuse are more likely to suffer
from psychological disorders and physiological diseases than those who do not
have a history of abuse. Additionally, the literature has indicated that child physical
abuse and child sexual abuse can lead to both healthcare under-utilization and over-utilization. However, limited research has explored mediating factors that influence
the relationship between childhood abuse, physical health outcomes and healthcare
utilization. Therefore, this study will evaluate the influence of revictimization and
posttraumatic stress on the relationship between childhood abuse and physical
health outcomes. Moreover, the current study will also determine if experiential
avoidance, as a theoretical framework, will mediate the relationship between
childhood abuse and physical health outcomes.