The Intellectual Profile of Abused and

Neglected Children in the Philippines: An

analysis of SB5 IQ scores of sexually
abused, physically abused and neglected
children

TEOFILO O. PALSIMON JR. MPSy, RPm, ICAP II

Contributor Peejay D. Bengwasan 
Saint Louis University, A. Bonifacio St., Baguio City, Philippines
 RATIONALE
Child abuse and neglect have been associated with cognitive
deficits, among other effects on child development.
Link of trauma and cognitive ability:
1. anterior circular sulcus was larger among boys, but was smaller for
girls (Klabunde, Weems, Raman, & Carrion, 2016).

2. significantly lower verbal abilities, much like individuals with PTSD

3. greater probabilities of lower GPAs and other academic problems (Slade &
Wissow, 2007).

4. Children who are physically abused or neglected have higher rates of

cognitive language delays than those who experience other types of
maltreatment like sexual and emotional abuse (Koenig et al., 2000)
 OBJECTIVES

This study explores the prediction that child abuse and

neglect has an impact on Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
5th Edition (SB5) IQ scores, in relation to gender, age and
type of abuse experienced.
 300 children with experiences of abuse and neglect were
included in the study, comprising 100 sexually abused, 100
physically abused and 100 neglected children.
 The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, 5th Edition (SB5)
The test was administered by Psychology graduates who possess
MEASURES Psychometrician’s and/or Psychologist’s license and have
undergone supervision and training in psychological assessment
for at least 6 months. 
 HIGHLIGHTS OF RESULTS

 a traumatic event such as abuse has detrimental effects on one’s

cognitive abilities
 Child abuse likewise brings about a detrimental effect on verbal
ability as they would find it difficult to verbally express ideas and
feelings.
 gender has little impact at this level of intelligence.
 experiencing abuse at a younger age deals more damage in terms
of general mental ability
 Physical abuse has better prognosis in cognitive improvement
than sexuallu abused and neglected childre
 IMPLICATIONS TO CLINICAL
ASSESSMENT
 Since childhood trauma was associated with a decrease in the learning
effect associated with repeated cognitive assessments, the significance of
early case identification is apparent

 Assessment and treatment, strategies, processes and interventions that rely

heavily on direct questioning or verbal means would be most difficult for
both the client and the practitioner. 
 Reliance on less invasive and non-directive forms and means might fare
better during evaluation and treatment.

 There is a need to prioritize interventions that address such areas of

cognitive ability.

 Children with complex trauma will need more stimulation and practice
with regard to handling the cognitive demands of their environment.
 Bengwasan, Peejay D. (2018). The intellectual profile of abused
and neglected children in the Philippines: An analysis of SB5
IQ scores of sexually abused, physically abused and
REFERENCE neglected children. Child Abuse & Neglect, 81(), 389–
395. doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.05.019