Parental Employment Status and Symptoms of Children Abused During a Recession

• NCJ Number: 245137
• Journal: Journal of Child Sexual Abuse Volume: 22 Issue: 4 Dated: 2013 Pages: 416-428
• Author(s): Trina Tobey; Kathleen McAuliff; Celina Rocha
• Date Published: 2013
• Length: 13 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the relationship between employment status and severity of symptoms in children abused during a recession year.

Abstract

Incidences and severity of child abuse have increased since the start of the recession. This study examined the relationship between employment status and severity of symptoms in children abused during a recession year. Participants included 154 females and 65 males between 2 and 17 years old referred to Dallas Children's Advocacy Center after surviving child sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or neglect. The study found that child abuse survivors whose mothers were unemployed showed higher symptom severity. Larger differences were found when participants were broken down by age, ethnicity, and living situation. Father's employment status did not affect symptom severity probably because many children lived with single mothers. The study concluded that child abuse survivors whose mothers are unemployed have increased risk for psychological symptoms. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.