Functioning of child maltreating families: lack of resources for caring within the family

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to develop a preliminary theoretical model of functioning of child maltreating families. Child maltreatment was defined as physical, psychological or sexual abuse or neglect caused by the child's primary caregivers. The aim was to generate knowledge needed in developing understanding and the care of these families. Data were collected using interviews with open-ended questions from child maltreating families (n = 20). Transcribed interviews were analysed by using grounded theory and its constant comparative method. The categories of family functioning included structural factors of the family, relationships between family members, relationships outside the family, family strengths, and risk factors and manifestations of maltreatment. The relationships that emerged between these categories included conflicts and negative circles of family life and the effects of child maltreatment on the family. Lack of resources for caring within the family emerged as the core category which described the phenomenon in general and was connected to all other categories of family functioning. The findings can be useful in developing the care of child maltreating families, in nursing education and in preventing child maltreatment.

Witnessing and experiencing domestic violence: a descriptive study of adolescents

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“…Experiences of violence among children are becoming increasingly common. Previous studies have demonstrated a clear link between intimate partner violence and child abuse (4–6). Domestic violence also has a tendency to escalate; the violence starts out fairly mild and then grows increasingly worse, and those witnessing domestic violence become victims of violence (7–9).…”

Conduites parentales psychologiquement violentes et problèmes de comportement des jeunes: Une étude bidirectionnelle.

“…Puisque la violence psychologique entre le jeune et son parent aurait tendance à être réciproque (Hartz, 1995;Paavilainen & Astedt Kurki, 2003;Pagani et al, 2004), il serait pertinent de voir si on ne pourrait pas parler, dans certains cas, d'interactions psychologiquement violentes plutôt que de violence psychologique. Durant la préadolescence, où le jeune tente d'obtenir plus de liberté et d'autonomie, il pourrait réagir plus fortement, voire plus agressivement aux mesures disciplinaires imposées par son parent (Cottrel & Monk, 2004).…”

Effectiveness of child protective services interventions as indicated by rates of recidivism

“…having cohesive relationships and conflict resolution). Paavilainen and Åstedt-Kurki (2003) found that maltreating families tend to be characterized by chaotic conflicting relationships which may lack caring, which would indicate poor family functioning.…”