NCJ Number
174314
Journal
Journal of Aggression Volume: ltreatment & Trauma Issue: Dated: Pages: 1 (1998)-86
Date Published
1998
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This article examines expected consequences of maltreatment of infants and young children.
Abstract
Maltreatment of infants and young children means that the development of many is compromised during their first 5 years of life. This article presents a developmental framework as a context within which to examine expected consequences of maltreatment of infants and young children. It reviews clinical and empirical research that informs professionals about early disturbances in parent-child relationships, that prospectively documents outcomes for children of at-risk mothers, and that cross-sectionally examines the impact of specific forms of maltreatment on particular developmental outcomes. Every child requires nurturing, social company, and protection in order to thrive in all aspects of development. When parents fail to meet those needs, the child may become depressed, will struggle to function adaptively with each new developmental challenge, and may never develop the capacity for loving and caring. Breaking the cycle of abuse through early intervention with at-risk parents, including psychotherapy when indicated, may help ameliorate the problem. References