This study underscores the potential long-term detrimental impact of childhood maltreatments, and suggests the need for preventative strategies. For example, school administrations could increase the number of programs designed to teach children knowledge and skills believed to be protective against abuse (Wurtele et al. 1992; Daro & McCurdy, 1994). In the event that the maltreatment has already occurred, treatment and prevention of adverse consequences is needed. At present, such strategies focus on shortterm effects of maltreatment (Macmillan et al. 2009). However, the link between childhood maltreatment and adult psychopathology suggests the need to intervene in a manner that also prevents long-term consequences, including alcohol dependence. Psychological and information processing theories may help inform the development of such interventions. According to these theories, schemas [i.e. stable and enduring cognitive structures which determine how we process information and behavior, and react to situations (Padesky, 1994)] develop throughout childhood during normal cognitive development. Individuals who experience childhood maltreatment can develop maladaptive schemas (Lumley & Harkness, 2007) which are thought to underlie psychopathology including alcohol dependence (Wright et al. 1993). Cognitive therapies target and
