CHILDREN WHO ARE CRUEL TO ANIMALS: A REVIEW OF RESEARCH AND IMPLICATIONS FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

• NCJ Number: 145693
• Author(s): F R Ascione
• Date Published: 1993
• Length: 25 pages
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Literature Review
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Based on a presentation at the Biennial Meeting of the Society for Research in Child Development in New Orleans, La., March 25, 1993.

Annotation

This examination of the relationship between childhood cruelty toward animals and interpersonal aggression relies on the findings of quantitative and qualitative research.

Abstract

The author defines cruelty to animals as "socially unacceptable behavior that intentionally causes unnecessary pain, suffering, or distress to and/or death of an animal." This definition excludes the socially approved humane killing of animals in veterinary medicine, animal control, hunting, and laboratory research. Studies show a significant link between cruelty to animals in childhood and later, antisocial, aggressive behavior toward humans as well as animals. A description of "Conduct Disorder" in the most recent revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders includes cruelty to animals as one manifestation of this disorder. This does not mean, however, that all children diagnosed with Conduct Disorder will be cruel to animals. Studies also show that perpetrators, victims, and witnesses of violence within the home may be cruel to animals. Perpetrators of child abuse may harm or kill animals to frighten or punish a child. Studies further show that when parents do not display empathy (ability to understand and relate to the emotional experiences of others) toward their children, children may similarly fail to show empathy toward animals. The author concludes with an overview of research needs in this area. 236 references