Abstract
Extant research lacks completeness and accuracy in identifying the timing of sensitive periods for physical abuse across childhood. Utilizing data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) following more than one thousand children from early childhood into adulthood, the present study employed a novel, granular approach to indicate physical abuse timing, develop growth curve models that incorporated linear and quadratic terms of the age variable, and more completely and accurately revealed sensitive periods for physical abuse. Results showed that late childhood (8–10 years) and adolescence (14–17 years) are sensitive periods when physical abuse more severely impacts internalizing issues. Additionally, middle to late childhood (6–10 years) and adolescence (12–16 years) are sensitive periods when physical abuse more severely impacts externalizing problems. Overall, this study provides empirical support for theories of sensitive periods across childhood and offers valuable reference for mental health workers to timely intervene.