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History of Abuse

While the estimated number varies, child maltreatment literature indicates that some maltreating parents or caregivers were victims of child abuse and neglect themselves. Research suggests that about one-third of all individuals who are maltreated as children will subject their children to maltreatment, further contributing to the cycle of abuse. Children who either experience maltreatment or witness violence between their parents or caregivers may learn violent behavior and may also learn to justify that behavior.¹

Child Abuse and Physical Punishment
Englander (2007)
In Understanding Violence (3rd Ed.)
View Abstract
Explores child, parental, and situational factors associated with child abuse, and the interactive role of physical punishment and other parental behaviors on the development of aggression later in life.

Developmental Traumatology: The Psychobiological Development of Maltreated Children and Its Implications for Research, Treatment, and Policy
De Bellis
Development and Psychopathology, 13(3), 2001
View Abstract
Using mental health and posttraumatic stress disorder criteria, this model includes psychological parameters for assessing risk of intergenerational abuse and sequelae of abuse in children.

The Effects of Child Sexual Abuse in Later Family Life: Mental Health, Parenting and Adjustment of Offspring
Roberts, O'Connor, Dunn, & Golding
Child Abuse and Neglect, 28(5), 2004
View Abstract
Investigates the link between child sexual abuse, later mental health, family organization, parenting behaviors, and adjustment in offspring.

The Effects of Sexual Abuse as a Child on the Risk of Mothers Physically Abusing Their Children: A Path Analysis Using Systems Theory
Mapp
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal, 30(11), 2006
View Abstract
Assesses the potential path from sexual abuse as a child to the current risk of physical abuse by mothers, concluding that the ability of the mother to resolve the childhood trauma has the greatest impact on the risk of physical abuse.

Intergenerational Transmission of Abuse: A Two-Generational Prospective Study of an At-Risk Sample
Pears & Capaldi
Child Abuse and Neglect, 25(11), 2001
View Abstract
Model examining the association between a parent's history of abuse and a parent's own abusive behavior.

The Joint Contribution of Experiencing and Witnessing Violence During Childhood on Child Abuse in the Parent Role
Cunningham
Violence and Victims, 18(6), 2003
View Abstract
Examines adult respondents' abuse of children as a consequence of their own childhood experiences.

Mothers' Abusive Childhood Predicts Child Abuse
Haapasalo & Aaltonen
Child Abuse Review, 8(4), 1999
View Abstract
Investigates intergenerational transmission of abuse by comparing the self reports of mothers involved with child protective services (CPS) and those with no CPS contact.

The Relationships of Dissociation and Effective Family Environment With the Intergenerational Cycle of Child Abuse
Narang & Contreras
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal, 28(6), 2005
View Abstract
Tests a model that may explain how physically abused children become physically abusive parents.

Sexual Abuse as a Factor in Child Maltreatment by Adolescent Mothers of Preschool Aged Children
Spieker, Bensley, McMahon, Fung, & Ossiander
Development and Psychopathology, 8(3), 1996
View Abstract
Investigates a history of sexual abuse as a predictor of child maltreatment by adolescent mothers.

¹ Adapted from J. Goldman, M. K. Salus, D. Wolcott, and K. Y. Kennedy. (2003). A coordinated response to child abuse and neglect: The foundation for practice. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Retrieved June 2006 from http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/usermanuals/foundation/foundatione.cfm back

	Related Information Gateway Topics Child abuse & neglect: Impact

Updated on February 24, 2010