Intergenerational Transmission of Maltreatment: What is the underlying theory?

This study examined the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment by using multiple measurements for retrospective history of maltreatment. Furthermore, social learning theory, attachment theory, and family stress model were examined as an explanation for intergenerational transmission of maltreatment. This study compared 24 mothers who were in treatment because of maltreating behaviours, to 18 control group mothers who did not maltreat their own children. Results showed that mothers who currently maltreat their own children were more likely to have a history of child maltreatment than mothers from the control group. This significant result was only found when history of maltreatment was measured using a questionnaire (CTQ-SF). The same trends, although nonsignificant, were found when history of maltreatment was measured using an interview (AAI) or a combined measurement of interview and questionnaire. This study did not find support for type-specific patterns and the...Show moreThis study examined the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment by using multiple measurements for retrospective history of maltreatment. Furthermore, social learning theory, attachment theory, and family stress model were examined as an explanation for intergenerational transmission of maltreatment. This study compared 24 mothers who were in treatment because of maltreating behaviours, to 18 control group mothers who did not maltreat their own children. Results showed that mothers who currently maltreat their own children were more likely to have a history of child maltreatment than mothers from the control group. This significant result was only found when history of maltreatment was measured using a questionnaire (CTQ-SF). The same trends, although nonsignificant, were found when history of maltreatment was measured using an interview (AAI) or a combined measurement of interview and questionnaire. This study did not find support for type-specific patterns and the moderating role of continuity of unemployment. The findings of this study support the hypothesis for the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment. However, no support was found for the social learning theory or the family stress model. Attachment theory might be a better explanation for intergenerational transmission of maltreatment. Further research on attachment theory is needed to confirm this.Show less

Leiden University Student Repository

Documents

In Collections

Intergenerational Transmission of Maltreatment: What is the underlying theory?