NCJ Number
165085
Journal
Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment & Trauma Issue: 1 Dated: (1997) Pages: 241-258
Date Published
1997
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Current issues regarding the definition of psychological maltreatment and its impact on children are discussed; the authors contend that psychological maltreatment can be understood as parenting and socialization practices that leave a child's basic psychological needs unmet and that children exposed to parental violence are victims of psychological maltreatment.
Abstract
Psychological maltreatment of children and youth is defined to encompass acts of omission and commission that are judged by community standards and professional expertise to be psychologically damaging. A needs analysis based on developmental theory and research is presented as a context within which to view psychological maltreatment. The emphasis is on competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Using the developmental needs analysis conceptualization, research findings concerning behavioral, cognitive, and social-emotional difficulties of children exposed to marital violence are examined. In response to the developmental needs analysis, recommendations are made about research issues and future directions related to psychological maltreatment in violent families. 56 references