Author(s)

Michael Galea

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This study tried to establish if childhood maltreatment mediates the established relationship between family environ-ment and psychological well-being, in a sample of Maltese university students (N = 312). However, our analysis sug-gested partial mediation only. Moreover, results indicated that abusive families are less loving, socially integrated, organized, and more conflicted. Family environment contributed positively, albeit limited, to cognitive well-being after controlling for child abuse history. In particular, cohesion, do add unique variance to subjective well-being, after controlling for child abuse. This study replicates classic research on the important role that family environment plays in children’s holistic development.

Childhood Maltreatment, Family Environment, Well-Being

Galea, M. (2010). Does Child Maltreatment Mediate Family Environment and Psychological Well-Being?. Psychology, 1, 143-150. doi: 10.4236/psych.2010.12019.