The effects of individual- and national-level factors on attitudes toward child maltreatment

Spanish Adaptation of the Inventory Brief Child Abuse Potential and the Protective Factors Survey

Child maltreatment is a public health problem with different consequences depending on the form of abuse. Measuring risk and protective factors has been a fertile ground for research, without involving instruments with sufficient evidence of validity. The aim of the study was to gather evidence of validity and reliability of the Inventory Brief Child Abuse Potential (IBCAP) and Protective Factors Survey (PFS) in the Mexican population. The instruments were translated into Spanish. In a non-probabilistic sample of 200 participants, the 7-factor model for the IBCAP [comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.984; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.067] and the 4-factor model for the PFS (CFI = 0.974; RMSEA = 0.061) were confirmed, showing adequate fit indices. Reliability was estimated and evidence of convergent, divergent, and discriminant validity was collected, controlling for effects of social desirability. We also report interpretability statistics of the scores. We achieved solid progress in the development of instrumentation that allows determining the presence or absence of protective and risk factors for child abuse.

Traditional values and domestic violence: an examination of older women's attitudes and the ability to care for oneself

Domestic violence (DV) is a worldwide societal problem affecting victims of all ages. While a sizable body of DV literature primarily surrounding young adults exists, research on DV among older individuals has received less attention. Yet, older non-victims and DV victims alike face unique challenges not experienced by younger age groups, such as socialization favoring traditional values, and loved ones who become unable to care for themselves. Less is known, however, about factors that influence older women's attitudes toward traditional values. Using a sample of women age 50 and older, including both victims and non-victims, the current study addressed this gap in research by examining whether age or the women's loved one's ability to care for themselves have an effect on attitudes toward traditional values. A discussion of the findings is provided, as well as policy implications and suggestions for future research.