NCJ Number
116998
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
In 1972, a major review paper by Spinetta and Rigler examined the largely clinical literature that existed up to that time on the psychological characteristics of abusing parents.
Abstract
On the basis of this review, the authors concluded that abusive parents were likely to have been abused as children, lacked accurate parenting knowledge, and were characterologically impulsive. They also found that socioeconomic stressors were neither necessary nor sufficient causal factors in the abuse cycle. A critical review of subsequent research fails to support all of these conclusions. Evidence appears to support the role of parental maltreatment during childhood and certain parental personality variables such as low self-esteem, impulsivity, and hostility. Evidence is mixed with regard to the adequacy of parenting knowledge among abusing parents. Rather, studies suggest that abusive and nonabusive parents differ in their parenting practices rather than in their childbearing attitudes. Abusive families appear to show more aversive behaviors and less maternal warmth and support. Finally, stress, particularly socioeconomic stress, appears to be an extremely important variable. Stress appears to overshadow personality variables in discriminating among abusive, neglectful, and nonabusive mothers. Yet, stress also appears to interact with parental personality and child variables to potentiate child maltreatment. 64 references. (Author abstract modified)