Etiological models of child maltreatment. A behavioral perspective.
Child abuse and neglect are complex phenomena that require a multidisciplinary perspective. This article describes current etiological formulations of child maltreatment. Three models (ecological, transactional, and transitional) are described that delineate the multiple pathways leading to abuse and neglect. These approaches emphasize the interaction of causative factors in bringing about maltreatment and the importance of high- and low-risk characteristics that differentially influence the development of maltreatment. Behavioral explanations of child maltreatment are also discussed. Particularly relevant here are observational learning, anger control, and coercive family processes. Finally, the implications of our understanding of etiology to assessment, treatment, and prevention are outlined and considered.
Department of Research and Clinical Psychology, Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, Pittsburgh 15213-1499.
R T
RT
Ammerman
D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D012307:Risk Factors