NCJ Number
137654
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 7 Issue: 2 Dated: (June 1992) Pages: 244-276
Date Published
1992
Length
33 pages
Annotation
This article reviews recent empirical studies that examined the short-term and long-term sequelae of physical child maltreatment (PCM).
Abstract
Issues focused on in the review are intergenerational transmission of violence, medical and physical effects, psychiatric disturbances, attachment and self-esteem, cognitive and developmental effects, academic performance, behavioral and interpersonal effects, affective symptoms, and family environmental influences and interactions. The review concludes that PCM affects a child's functioning in multiple domains, especially in the areas of social and peer relationships as well as behavioral adjustment. The breadth of dysfunction evidence in several studies reflects the presence of externalizing (for example, aggression) and, to a lesser extent, internalizing symptoms (for example, depression), but this circumstance may reflect the greater number of studies that have examined observable, externalizing behaviors. The impact of PCM is not consistently demonstrated across studies and is likely to be influenced by other child and family characteristics. Definitive conclusions cannot be made because much of the evidence is rudimentary and of qualified significance due to study limitations in conceptualization, assessment scope, and methodological rigor. Suggestions for advancing theory and therapy in this area are presented. 2 tables and 152 references