Physical abuse was considered positive if the participant had (a) “fairly often” or “very often” experienced pushing, grabbing, shoving, slapping, or hitting, or (b) reported that they were ever hit hard enough to cause injury or bruises (two items). Sexual abuse was considered positive if the participant reported that he/she had ever been (a) touched/fondled in a sexual way, (b) been forced to touch/fondle others, or been the recipient of (c) attempted or (d) completed intercourse (four items). Emotional abuse was considered positive if the participant had fairly or very often (a) had a parent or caregiver swear at him/her, insult him/her, say hurtful things, or (b) threaten to hit or throw something at him/her; emotional abuse was also positive if the participant had (c) at least “sometimes” felt that the adult acted in a way that made him/her afraid of physical injury (three items).
