Childhood mal treatment, eg fragmentation, and self-destructive behaviors: A preliminary investigation of the parasite model

The current project examined the development of self-destructive behaviors following childhood maltreatment using the Parasite Model. In this model, it was theorized that individuals who experience childhood maltreatment might experience ego fragmentation which would then lead to self-destructive behaviors. A total of 120 graduate and undergraduate students from Marywood University and online adult survivor forum members were recruited. Participants anonymously filled out the survey online. It is hypothesized that: Ego fragmentation, as evidenced by an increase in the use of immature and neurotic ego defenses, would partially mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment (i.e., physical, sexual, and psychological maltreatment) and chronic self-destructive behaviors. It was believed that no such relationship will be found with mature defenses. Additional exploratory analyses were conducted to determine if a measure assessing the traumatic impact of childhood maltreatment might be a more appropriate measure than a self-report of the actual abuse experience(s). Using the Children's Impact of Traumatic Events Scale, was hypothesized that ego fragmentation, measured by an increase in immature ego defenses, would mediate the relationship between the trauma impact score and chronic self-destructive behaviors. It was found that use of immature ego defenses partially mediated the relationship between physical abuse and chronic self-destructive behaviors and psychological abuse and chronic self-destructive behaviors. Immature ego defenses completely mediated the relationship between childhood sexual abuse and chronic self-destructive behaviors. Neurotic and mature ego defenses did not mediate the relationship between childhood maltreatment variables and chronic self-destructive behaviors. For individuals who endorsed experiences of childhood maltreatment, immature ego defense mechanisms partially mediated the relationship between a sense of vulnerability and chronic self-destructive behaviors as well as intrusive thoughts and self-destructive behaviors. Immature ego defenses completely mediated the relationship between self-blame and self-destructive behaviors as well as negative reactions from others and self-destructive behaviors. Neurotic and mature ego defenses did not mediate the relationship between factors associated with childhood maltreatment and chronic self-destructive behaviors. The findings of the current study support the underlying theory of the Parasite Model in that it identifies aspects of the pathway between childhood maltreatment and adult self-destructive behaviors. Research exploring these dynamics, including ego fragmentation and ego defenses, plays a role in developing a more comprehensive picture of the development of self-destructive behavior and treatment of individuals who have experienced childhood maltreatment.