Stith’s (2009) Meta-Analysis :
A study carried out by Stith et al. (2009) reviewed 155 other studies (this is called a meta-analysis) that had already been carried out in order to identify factors that put the child at risk of physical abuse by his/her parents.
In order to identify these factors, one part of Stith’s study examined which particular characteristics of the parent put that person at increased risk of physically abusing his/her child. I list these characteristics below :
Characteristics Of Parents That Increase The Probability That They Will Be Physically Abusive Towards Their Child/Children (according to Stith’s, 2009 meta-analysis of 155 previously published studies) :
- alcohol abuse by parent
- the parent is single
- the parent is unemployed
- the parent abuses drugs
- the parent approves of corporal punishment as a means of instilling discipline in / control over the child
- parent has poor coping skills
- parent has health problems
- parent has poor problem solving skills
- parent lacks social support
- parent is involved in criminal behavior
- parent is under significant stress
- parent suffers from significant anxiety
- parents suffers from mental illness
- parent suffers from depression
- parent suffers from low self-esteem
- parent has problems controlling own anger
- parent had dysfunctional relationship with own parent/s
- parent suffers from hyper-reactivity / has poor control of emotions
Which Of The Above Are The Biggest Risk Factors?
According to Stith’s (2009) research, of the 18 risk factors listed above, those which put the parent at highest risk of physically abusing his/her child were as follows :
- parental hyper-reactivity
- parental problems controlling own anger
Other Considerations : Family Factors :
Stith also found that, in addition to the above factors, certain factors relating to the family could also increase the risk of a parent physically abusing his/her child. These were as follows :
- poor level of family cohesion
- significant conflict within the family
- low level of marital satisfaction
- violence between the spouses
- low socioeconomic status
- the family includes a non-biological parent
- size of family
Which Of These Family Factors Put The Child Most At Risk Of Being Physically Abused Within The Home?
According to Stith’s (2009) research, of the seven risk factors listed above, those which put the parent at highest risk of physically abusing his/her child were as follows :
- significant family conflict
- poor level of family cohesion
David Hosier BSc Hons; MSc; PGDE(FAHE)
