Adaptação transcultural do Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire R2 em amostra brasileira e mensuração de cortisol em crianças vítimas de maus tratos

Abstract

Maltreatment is the main form of violence in childhood and considered a global public health problem. The impact of this phenomenon is known through a body of solid evidence, mainly on its neurobiological, cognitive and psychopathological consequences. Among the most studied are the deregulation of the Hypothalamic-Hypophyseal-Adrenal axis and the concentrations of the hormone cortisol, which can generate several deleterious effects for the victims. It is also known that many subtypes of maltreatment occur simultaneously, characterizing exposure to multiple victimizations. In addition, other forms of victimization, such as peer and community violence, are highly prevalent in several countries. However, few studies emphasize the relevance of assessing different types of victimization through valid instruments. Similarly, few studies investigates the role and influence of different methods of cortisol measurement in children exposed to maltreatment. In this sense, the objective of this dissertation was to investigate the most used methodologies for measuring cortisol in children victims of maltreatment and to make the transcultural adaptation of the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ R2). For this, a theoretical study of systematic review of methods of measurement of cortisol in abused children and an empiric of cross-cultural adaptation and the beginning of the psychometric examination of the JVQ-R2 were carried out. The review found a homogeneity of methods restricted to saliva samples in studies of the last 5 years. Important gaps have been discussed regarding long-term cortisol measurement. The adaptation of the JVQ R2 has been completed adequately, as well as preliminary examinations of psychometric properties. The full validation of the instrument with all its versions for youth and caregivers is already under way.