Qutoe of the Day

"Children’s experiences of abuse and neglect have many negative consequences over both the short term and the long term including behavioral problems, poor self-esteem, feelings of isolation, depression, self-injurious behaviors including substance abuse, suicidal ideas and behaviors, revictimisation, academic and vocational problems, sexual dysfunctions and criminal behaviors (De Paul & Arruabarrena, 1995; Gauthier et al., 1996; Browne & Lynch, 1997; English, 1998; Brown et al., 1998, 1999; Kaplan et al., 1999; Iwaniec & Sneddon, 2001 in press; Iwaniec et al., 2003). Current data indicate that, compared with other medical conditions during childhood, more children are affected by maltreatment than all other serious illnesses combined (Theodore & Runyan, 1999). There are also many cases of abused and neglected children that do not come to the attention of social service agencies. For example, in studies of child abuse homicide, only 13—35% of the victims have physical evidence or documented history of maltreatment.
There will be individual variations in how well victims of abuse cope with their maltreatment (Jacelon, 1997; Masten et al., 1999; Clark & Clark, 2000). This will be influenced by at least five broad classes of variables (Budd & Holdsworth, 1996):

1.The nature of the abusive act (e.g. hitting, forced sex) as well as its frequency, intensity and duration. On the whole, single stressful experiences that occur in isolation are less damaging than cumulative stresses. Timing is also important: at particular stages a child may be developmentally more protected or developmentally more vulnerable to adversities.

2.Individual characteristics of the victim (e.g. age, self-blame). Individuals may also have biological personal traits that make them more or less likely to respond positively or negatively to personal adversities. Not all victims will show the same outcomes and this can be due to resilience (Rutter, 1990; 1995). Stress-resistant children show better outcomes in environments of stress or adversity. But it must be remembered that no one has absolute resistance to stress. Fonagy et al. (1994) identified the following factors that have been associated with resilience: higher socioeconomic status, the absence of neurobiological problems, the possession of an easy temperament, the absence of early loss and trauma, secure attachment, positive social support, good educational experience, a high IQ, a good problem-solving ability, task related effectiveness, high self-esteem, autonomy and self control, social understanding, awareness and empathy, the ability to plan and a good sense of humor.

3.The nature of the relationship between the victim and the perpetrator (e.g. sibling, step-parent).

4.The response of others to the abuse (e.g. social support, legal or psychological intervention). Compensatory experiences such as a good relationship with a significant other (e.g. parent, teacher, therapist, etc.) do not necessarily have to take place at the same times as the risk (Fonagy et al., 1994). Early or later experiences may compensate for the cumulative effects of the risk factors.

5. Factors correlated with abuse that may exacerbate its effects or, in fact, may account for some of the putative consequences of abuse (e.g. family chaos). "


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