Other important factors are the hostility between the parents, the time since the child snatching, the child's contact with the searching parent during the abduction, the child's relationship with both parents, and other circumstances and stressors. The finding that the reactions of abducted children are similar to those reported for children in reaction to divorce must be considered with caution, because many of the studies are based on parental impressions. The literature concerning children of divorce, resilient children, and children as victims of family violence also offers some necessary background for the study and understanding of the effects on children of parental abduction. Future research should focus on the children's reports of their abduction and should include those who are adjusting well, as well as those who are not. Larger samples of children and independent observers are also needed to allow for statistical control of the many variables that may influence adjustment after abduction. Further knowledge on this topic would be useful, because an estimated 350,000 children are abducted by members of their families each year. 35 references