NCJ Number
215118
Journal
Child Abuse Review Volume: 15 Issue: 3 Dated: May-June 2006 Pages: 204-218
Date Published
May 2006
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship between physically abused children’s behavior problems and mothers’ mental health in Japan.
Abstract
Overall, the results indicated a statistical correlation between children’s behavior problems and maternal mental health. Mothers of abused children were more likely to display a wide range of mental health problems compared to mothers in the comparison group. In particular, mothers of abused children were more likely to display somatic symptoms and social dysfunction while abused children were more likely to display disruptive behavior disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Other child problems included authority conflict and overt delinquency. The findings suggest the need to conduct multidimensional assessments for abused children and their caregivers. Participants were 21 abused children between the ages of 6 and 12 years and their mothers and a comparison sample of 14 nonabused children and their mothers recruited from Japanese public schools. The children and mothers completed a series of questionnaires assessing child behavior and general maternal mental health. Statistical comparisons of the groups involved the use of t-tests and Pearson correlations. Future research should focus on the causal mechanisms and background factors influencing child abuse in order to inform services for families. Tables, references