NCJ Number
164069
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 11 Issue: 3 Dated: (September 1996) Pages: 335-350
Date Published
1996
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Interviews with 48 single mothers who were receiving government assistance and had a child of preschool age formed the basis of an assessment of maternal adult attachment style and the specific adult attachment attitudes and behaviors of mothers as factors in the risk of physical child abuse.
Abstract
Participants' child abuse risk potential was determined by their responses or performance on several instruments that were previously found to distinguish between abusive and adequate mothers. Results revealed that mothers with an insecure adult attachment style (ambivalent or avoidant) were at significantly higher risk for child abuse than were mothers with a secure attachment style. Findings indicated that single mothers' self-report of adult attachment style in romantic relationships is an important factor in the risk of abuse. Findings also suggested that understanding and modifying a mother's ability in responding to the attachment relationship, not only with her children but also with other adults, could provide a substantial buffer against the emotional and behavioral sequences that result in abusive parenting. Tables and 42 references (Author abstract modified)