NCJ Number
228114
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 33 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2009 Pages: 441-450
Date Published
July 2009
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the prevalence of child maltreatment as perpetrated by parents in China, associated outcomes, and factors of resilience among high school students.
Abstract
Results show that 80 percent of the surveyed high school students in Guangzhou reported to have experienced some form of parental physical maltreatment in the previous 6 months, while parental sexual abuse was relatively infrequent. Parent-to-child maltreatment was related to a higher likelihood of having physical and mental health problems. Health problems among physically maltreated students were only predicted by low levels of social support and life satisfaction, but not self-esteem. Boys compared to girls were more likely to experience severe physical maltreatment and sexual abuse as perpetrated by their parents. Among physically maltreated students, boys as compared to girls demonstrated more resilient functioning as male gender was related to a lower likelihood of having physical problems. Prevention is the key in the management of child maltreatment; special attention should be given to local culture and values, as in Chinese culture with its patriarchal tradition and strong emphasis on the filial piety. Teachers as well as social and medical professionals in China should consider child maltreatment a potential factor in children with altered mood or suicidal behavior. Public education programs are urgently needed to increase public awareness and to initiate debates on what parental behaviors constitute acceptable disciplinary behaviors in China. Data were collected from 144 classes of students from 24 schools in 8 districts of Guangzhou. Tables, references, and appendix