NCJ Number
125635
Date Published
1989
Length
27 pages
Annotation
The probability that parents may abuse their children is generally low, but the probability is greatly increased if harsh aggression is frequently directed toward children.
Abstract
Customary high aggression signals a relatively high probability that the child will one day be injured. The likelihood of serious injury is related to the frequency and form of aggression generally used. The probability of child abuse increases substantially if the relation between the parent and the child is poor. Difficulties associated with a poor relationship give rise to disciplinary problems and frequent clashes which tend to escalate in severity. The level of aggression thus tends to escalate and is likely to eventually result in an attack which causes serious injury to the child. While only a small proportion of interactions between abusive parents and their children are openly hostile, such responses are found much more frequently in daily interactions between abusive parents and their children than between other parents and their children. Such aggression is evident in both verbal and physical responses. Aggressive responses of parents can be seen in terms of responses to situational triggers, with responses amplified by a negative style of appraisal, high anger, and low inhibitions against using physical methods of discipline and control. Comparative studies indicate that abusive families should be regarded along a continuum of abuse risk rather than as a group with a set of distinguishing characteristics. 81 references, 1 figure.