NCJ Number
247948
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 397-408
Date Published
May 2014
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined predictors for parents' potential for abusing their children.
Abstract
This study examined predictors for parents' potential for abusing their children. Two hundred and thirteen Jewish and Arab parents of children up to 6 years of age completed six questionnaires assessing child-abuse potential, childhood history of abuse/neglect, attachment style, emotional control, perceived stress, and cognitive appraisal of parenthood. Results indicated that parents who experienced childhood abuse and neglect scored significantly higher in child-abuse potential than parents without a history of abuse or neglect. A Structural Equation Model indicated that anxious and avoidant attachment mediated the experiences of abuse and neglect in childhood and emotional control; whereas emotional control deficits mediated the relationship between insecure attachment and parenthood as challenge vs. threat, leading to greater child-abuse potential. Clinical implications were discussed. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.