Measurement congruence between record data and retrospective self-report measures of child maltreatment: do positive childhood experiences affect discrepancies?

BACKGROUND: Discrepancies between retrospective self-reports and official record data of child maltreatment (CM) are well-documented, yet few studies have examined how newer self-report instruments compare with record data or what factors influence inconsistencies across methods. This study addresses two primary aims: (1) to provide the first concordance estimates between prospective child protective services (CPS) records and the maltreatment and abuse chronology of exposure (MACE), a widely used retrospective CM assessment tool; and (2) to examine the influence of positive childhood experiences on discrepancies in CM assessment. METHODS: We utilize two maltreatment cohorts in which adults and adolescents with documented histories of CM and matched nonmaltreated controls were enrolled. Both cohorts included CM data from CPS records coded with the maltreatment classification system (MCS) and retrospective self-reports of CM and measures of positive childhood experiences. The cohorts vary in age at retrospective assessment (adults vs. adolescents), retrospective time lag (long vs. short), used different self-report measures (MACE vs. CTQ), and different methods for assessing positive experiences (explicit self-report vs. ratings of unconscious content). The rigorous dual-study design ensures findings are robust to study- and measurement-specific differences. RESULTS: Findings revealed minimal agreement between MACE self-reports and MCS-coded CPS records for maltreatment occurring from ages 0-12. Discrepancies were primarily driven by retrospective reports of CM not documented in official records. Importantly, in both studies, individuals with more positive childhood experiences were less likely to self-report maltreatment (via MACE or CTQ) that was documented based on official records. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that positive childhood experiences may help facilitate resilience among CM survivors by influencing memory and appraisal of childhood events. Clinical interventions that explore autobiographical memories may be particularly effective in mitigating the psychopathology sequelae of maltreatment.