NCJ Number
223720
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 32 Issue: 5 Dated: May 2008 Pages: 567-576
Date Published
May 2008
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study investigated whether ethnicity and features of the parenting context predicted children's social adjustment.
Abstract
Results indicated main effects of ethnicity and sensitivity for prosocial behavior, and a main effect of sensitivity for aggression. In addition, there was a significant interaction of ethnicity and abuse status for aggression such that there was a significant difference between abused and nonabused European American children but not between abused and nonabused African-American children. Findings indicated that risk for aggressive behavior among abused children might be culturally specific rather than universal. In addition, results pointed to beneficial effects of parental sensitivity for maltreated children. The article takes the approach that although social maladjustment appears to be common among abused children, negative outcomes are not inevitable. Using regression analysis, the study tested whether each potential protective or vulnerability factor interacted with abuse status in prediction of social adjustment. Participants included 78 physically abused and 75 demographically matched nonabused children and 1 of their parents. Observations of parenting were used to measure parental sensitivity, and parent self-reports of depression were obtained. Children's peer social adjustment was measured by teacher report. Tables, references