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Psychological Characteristics of Parents Who Abuse or Neglect Their Children

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Advances in Clinical Child Psychology

Part of the book series: Advances in Clinical Child Psychology ((ACCP,volume 10))

Abstract

The burgeoning interest of behavioral scientists in the understanding and prevention of child abuse has led to a recognition of its pervasive impact on the child. Not only are the physical injuries often traumatic, but these may be accompanied by major psychological impairments in the areas of social, cognitive, and behavioral development. What makes child abuse particularly disturbing from a psychological standpoint is the disruption in the strength of the parent-child relationship as a major contributor to the child’s development. The parent-child bond is unique in its role of socialization and adaptation, and it provides the child with a number of opportunities for learning desirable interpersonal skills and competence. Once this relationship, which is based on trust and dependency, has been compromised by the use of force, however, its significance may be greatly altered.

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© 1987 Plenum Press, New York

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Larose, L., Wolfe, D.A. (1987). Psychological Characteristics of Parents Who Abuse or Neglect Their Children. In: Lahey, B.B., Kazdin, A.E. (eds) Advances in Clinical Child Psychology. Advances in Clinical Child Psychology, vol 10. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-9826-4_2

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