NCJ Number
219900
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Volume: 14 Issue: 3 Dated: 2007 Pages: 89-105
Date Published
2007
Length
17 pages
Annotation
To synthesize a proposed child abuse and adolescent parenting model, this article reviews established theories on child abuse, abusive parenting, and adolescent parenting.
Abstract
Utilizing an ecological perspective, the proposed synthesized theoretical model identifies important factors to be included in child abuse and adolescent parenting research. It also provides an informed way to organize relevant variables. The intent of the proposed model is to make connections from previous research and scientific deduction. Testing of the present model will lead to a finer honed framework and an elevated understanding of why some adolescent parents are abusive. The adolescents’ adjustment into the role of parenting will have a great influence on their ability to parent. Parent-child interactions and the contexts to which the adolescent parent and child belong can also provide information regarding the likelihood of child abuse. Research has the ability to increase the knowledge about these families and contribute to the ultimate goal of child abuse prevention. However, theoretical models specific to the area of child abuse and adolescent parenting are not well developed. This article builds from existing theory and research to stimulate the development of a model specific to child abuse and adolescent parenting, and to highlight the important role theory plays in furthering knowledge. Figure, references