Several strengths of the study also warrant mention. Analyses were conducted on a large, nationally representative sample. Five different types of child maltreatment were studied in order to determine specifically which types of maltreatment affect dependence course. Also, analyses were conducted with and without control for other childhood adversity, which enhances understanding of the role of a generally difficult childhood. Although reported analyses use one dichotomous variable representing presence/absence of any such adversities, results are consistent using a count of adverse childhood experiences. Further, incremental analyses shed light on those with multiple risk factors.
