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Cuartas J. Corporal Punishment and Child Development in Low- and- Middle-Income Countries: Progress, Challenges, and Directions. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:1607-1623. [PMID: 35482219 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01362-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Most studies and reviews of studies on the developmental consequences of corporal punishment have focused on samples from the U.S. and other high-income countries. This study conducted a rapid review of the literature on the associations between corporal punishment and children's cognitive and social-emotional development in low- and- middle-income countries (LMICs). Information from more than 42 studies of children younger than 18 years living in 64 LMICs was reviewed. Overall, the reviewed studies show associations between corporal punishment and negative cognitive and social-emotional outcomes, and there is no evidence that corporal punishment may relate to any positive developmental outcome in LMICs. Yet, issues of internal and external validity are common in the literature. The current evidence indicates that corporal punishment might increase the risk of detrimental child outcomes in LMICs, but further research with stronger methodological designs including samples from multiple settings is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Cuartas
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
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Fekih-Romdhane F, Dabbous M, Hallit R, Malaeb D, Sawma T, Obeid S, Hallit S. Development and validation of a shortened version of the Child Abuse Self Report Scale (CASRS-12) in the Arabic language. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2022; 16:100. [PMID: 36494699 PMCID: PMC9737702 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-022-00533-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND All available scales to screen for child abuse may be challenging to administer due to their length. Indeed, a higher number of items is associated with more administration time and less motivation to engage in responding. We aimed through this study to examine the psychometric properties of a brief Arabic version of the Child Abuse Self Report Scale (CASRS-12) in terms of factorial structure, internal consistency, divergent validity, and correlations with measures of bullying victimization, eating attitudes and perceived social support. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional, web-based study among Community Lebanese adolescents; where two samples have been used (Sample 1: N = 852, aged 15.34 ± 1.18 years, 54.8% females; Sample 2: N = 404, aged 16.60 ± 1.51 years, 57.2% females). The construct validity was tested using both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. RESULTS Results revealed that both EFA and CFA yielded a four-factor structure for the CASRS-12 that mirrors the original four factors captured by the original CASRS. The scale also showed a good internal consistency as evidenced through McDonald's ω values ranging from 0.87 to 0.93 for the four subscales; and configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender. Finally, we found that all CASRS-12 dimensions were significantly and positively correlated with more inappropriate eating attitudes and lower social support; and that psychological, physical, and sexual abuse correlated with higher bullying victimization CONCLUSION: In light of these findings, we potentially encourage clinicians and researchers to use this scale as a valid and reliable measure of child abuse among Arabic-speaking populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feten Fekih-Romdhane
- The Tunisian Center of Early Intervention in Psychosis, Department of Psychiatry “Ibn Omrane”, Razi Hospital, 2010 Manouba, Tunisia ,grid.12574.350000000122959819Faculty of Medicine of Tunis, Tunis El Manar University, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Mariam Dabbous
- grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabih Hallit
- grid.444434.70000 0001 2106 3658School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon ,Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh, Lebanon ,Department of Infectious Disease, Notre Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos, Postal Code 3 Lebanon
| | - Diana Malaeb
- grid.444421.30000 0004 0417 6142School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut, Lebanon ,grid.411884.00000 0004 1762 9788College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Toni Sawma
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- grid.411323.60000 0001 2324 5973School of Arts and Sciences, Social and Education Sciences Department, Lebanese American University, Jbeil, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, P.O. Box 446, Jounieh, Lebanon. .,Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib, Lebanon. .,Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman, Jordan. .,Psychology Department, College of Humanities, Effat University, Jeddah, 21478, Saudi Arabia.
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Anwar Abdel-Fatah N. Determinants of severe physical disciplinary practices against children in Egypt. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 111:104821. [PMID: 33257026 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although nearly 43 % of Egyptian children aged less than 14 years had ever experienced severe physical violent punishment at home, no previous studies identified the predictors of the practice in Egypt. OBJECTIVE This research aims at identifying the determinants of the use of any severe violent physical practice to discipline children. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The latest national Egyptian Demographic and Health Survey is the main source of data. The caregivers of 13024 children were interviewed. METHODS A binary logistic regression model is developed to identify the determinants of the use of severe physical disciplinary practices. RESULTS Results show that children whose parents believe that physical punishment is necessary to discipline children are more likely to experience severe violence (OR = 3.3). Children in the preprimary stage have a high odds ratio of experiencing a severe violent punishment compared to those in preparatory and secondary stages (OR = 3.5). Children whose mothers have experienced domestic physical violence are more likely to be subject to severe physical violence (OR = 1.6 for husband violence, and 1.4 for parents/siblings violence). Children living in Urban Lower Egypt are approximately twice likely as children living in urban governorates to be subject to severe physical violence. Children living in the poorest households are the most likely to experience severe physical violence. CONCLUSION Severe violent disciplinary practice inside the home is common in Egypt. The findings urge for activating Egyptian Child Law and implementing continuous training programs for parents on positive parenting.
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Harsha N, Lynch MA, Giacaman R. Child abuse in the West Bank of the occupied Palestinian territory (WB/oPt): social and political determinants. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1130. [PMID: 32682404 PMCID: PMC7368693 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09251-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment is a global epidemic. It affects morbidity, mortality, social behavior, wellbeing, and quality of life of children. This study aims to assess prevalence of child abuse in the West Bank (WB) of the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and to determine some of its social and political associated factors. METHODS We analyzed secondary data obtained from a cross sectional study conducted on a sample representing Palestinian children on the West Bank and using the International Society for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (ISPCAN) tool. The ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool for parents (ICAST-P) questionnaire was completed by 1107 Palestinian mothers to estimate physical and emotional child abusive practices at home for children aged 0-12 years. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were performed using the SPSS® version 20 to assess prevalence and predictors of child abuse. RESULTS Overall, around 34% of the West Bank-children were abused by their mothers. Results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that male children, children of younger mothers, children whose fathers were with low levels of education, children whose mothers reported low levels of parental warmth, and children whose parents were exposed to political violence were at greater risk of being abused. CONCLUSIONS Child abuse is highly prevalent among children of the Palestinian society in the West Bank. Policy makers need to pay more attention to this epidemic. The association between child abuse and political violence found in this study makes a just solution for Palestinians essential for improving the welfare of children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nouh Harsha
- Doctoral School of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary. .,Institute of Community and Public Health, Birzeit University- ICPH/BZU, Birzeit, Palestine.
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Testing the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis: Meta-analytic evidence of the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. Dev Psychopathol 2019; 31:23-51. [PMID: 30757994 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418001700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It has long been claimed that "maltreatment begets maltreatment," that is, a parent's history of maltreatment increases the risk that his or her child will also suffer maltreatment. However, significant methodological concerns have been raised regarding evidence supporting this assertion, with some arguing that the association weakens in samples with higher methodological rigor. In the current study, the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment hypothesis is examined in 142 studies (149 samples; 227,918 dyads) that underwent a methodological quality review, as well as data extraction on a number of potential moderator variables. Results reveal a modest association of intergenerational maltreatment (k = 80; d = 0.45, 95% confidence interval; CI [0.37, 0.54]). Support for the intergenerational transmission of specific maltreatment types was also observed (neglect: k = 13, d = 0.24, 95% CI [0.11, 0.37]; physical abuse: k = 61, d = 0.41, 95% CI [0.33, 0.49]; emotional abuse: k = 18, d = 0.57, 95% CI [0.43, 0.71]; sexual abuse: k = 18, d = 0.39, 95% CI [0.24, 0.55]). Methodological quality only emerged as a significant moderator of the intergenerational transmission of physical abuse, with a weakening of effect sizes as methodological rigor increased. Evidence from this meta-analysis confirms the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis, although effect sizes were modest. Future research should focus on deepening understanding of mechanisms of transmission, as well as identifying protective factors that can effectively break the cycle of maltreatment.
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Elghossain T, Bott S, Akik C, Ghattas H, Obermeyer CM. Prevalence of Key Forms of Violence Against Adolescents in the Arab Region: A Systematic Review. J Adolesc Health 2019; 64:8-19. [PMID: 30579439 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This article presents a systematic review of the prevalence of violence against adolescents in the 22 countries of the Arab League. METHODS Data on physical and emotional child maltreatment, sexual abuse, bullying and fighting, violence in schools, and intimate partner violence against adolescent girls were retrieved using: (1) a systematic search for peer-reviewed journal articles using Medline and the Social Sciences Citation Index; and (2) a search for nationally-representative, population-based surveys. RESULTS Published evidence suggests that physical, sexual, and emotional violence against adolescents is widespread in the Arab region. In many studies, prevalence rates exceeded other regional or global estimates, including rates of violent discipline, fighting, and intimate partner violence against adolescent girls. Data on certain forms of violence (e.g. violent discipline) are available from many Arab countries; but data on other forms, e.g., sexual abuse, are scarce. Most peer-reviewed journal articles are based on small studies with diverse operational definitions and methods, making comparisons challenging. CONCLUSIONS High rates of violence against adolescents in the region merit greater attention from policy makers concerned with determinants of adolescent health. There is also a need to expand and improve the quality of quantitative and qualitative research on violence against adolescents in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Elghossain
- Center for Research on Population and Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Sarah Bott
- Center for Research on Population and Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Chaza Akik
- Center for Research on Population and Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hala Ghattas
- Center for Research on Population and Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Carla Makhlouf Obermeyer
- Center for Research on Population and Health at the Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.
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Isawumi MA, Adebayo M. Child Abuse and the Eye in an African Population. KOREAN JOURNAL OF OPHTHALMOLOGY 2017; 31:143-150. [PMID: 28367043 PMCID: PMC5368088 DOI: 10.3341/kjo.2017.31.2.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose There is a paucity of data on child abuse and the eye in West Africa. Therefore, a need exists to determine the causes and circumstances surrounding these occurrences and their effects on the eye and vision in a pediatric population. Methods A 3-year study of consecutive cases of ocular features that presented to an eye clinic following a history suggestive of child abuse along with any associated eye injury was carried out. Socio-demographic characteristics were obtained, as were the presenting and posttreatment visual acuity, and a full clinical eye examination was also done. Results Fifty-six children with 56 affected eyes were examined. The male to female ratio was 1.8 : 1; the mean age was 8.25 ± 3.5 years; and the subjects were predominately primary school children 30 (53.6%). The most common ocular disorders were conjunctiva hyperemia (46.4%), corneal abrasion/ulcer (25.4%), hyphema/uveitis (42.9%), retinal detachment (7.1%), sclera rupture (7.1%), and globe perforation (21.4%). The intraocular pressure was raised in 17.9% of participants. Presenting versus posttreatment visual acuities showed normal vision in four (7.1%) vs. eighteen (32.1%), visual impairment in 12 (21.4%) vs. six (10.7%), severe visual impairment in 20 (35.7%) vs. 12 (21.4%), and blindness in 12 (21.4%) vs. 14 (25%), p < 0.001. The most common injurious agents were canes (25.0%) and sticks (17.9%). The people who inflicted the injuries were parents/relatives (uncles) in 35.7% of cases and the children themselves (accidents) in 21.4% of cases. Circumstances predisposing participants to eye injuries were child labor in 39.3% and beatings in 25.0%. Complications were cataracts (25.0%), corneal opacity (39.3%), and retinal detachment (7.1%). Conclusions Injuries commonly resulted from canes and sticks used during beatings, as well as from child labor, corporal punishment, accidents, and assaults. Legislation and laws need to be enacted to prevent negative psychosocial and economic impacts on the child, family and country as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaeline A Isawumi
- Department of Surgery, College of Health Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria.; Department of Ophthalmology, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
| | - Modupe Adebayo
- Department of Ophthalmology, LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria
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Al-Eissa MA, AlBuhairan FS, Qayad M, Saleheen H, Runyan D, Almuneef M. Determining child maltreatment incidence in Saudi Arabia using the ICAST-CH: a pilot study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2015; 42:174-182. [PMID: 25220480 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Studies in other countries, including countries with mandated reporting by professionals and a long history of recognition of the problem, have found child abuse to be seriously under reported. This population-based pilot study was conducted to determine the magnitude of adolescents' exposure to CAN at home, and to identify ethical and methodological challenges to conducting a survey on a culturally sensitive subject. This cross-sectional study was carried out in Al-Kharj city in 2011-2012. Through a stratified multistage cluster random sampling of schools, a sample of adolescents (15-18 years) were identified and invited to participate. The ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool-Child: Home version (ICAST-CH) was used for data collection. The previous year's incidence of physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence were assessed. A total of 2,043 students participated in the study (mean age, 16.6 years; 58%, female). The incidence of psychological abuse, physical abuse, exposure to violence, neglect, and sexual abuse were 74.9%, 57.5%, 50.7%, 50.2%, and 14.0%, respectively. Female participants were at higher risk for psychological and physical abuse, exposure to violence, and neglect, but not for sexual abuse. The rates and gender distribution of CAN at home differ from findings of health-based records. Our results are comparable to other regional population-based studies. Thus, population-based data are necessary to inform and guide professionals and decision makers for prevention policies and resource allocation. Insights to ethical and methodological challenges surrounding the sensitive nature of this type of study are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majid A Al-Eissa
- National Family Safety Program, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City-Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Emergency Medicine, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fadia S AlBuhairan
- National Family Safety Program, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City-Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Qayad
- National Family Safety Program, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City-Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Saleheen
- National Family Safety Program, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City-Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Desmond Runyan
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13001 E 17th Pl, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; The Kempe Center (The Kempe Foundation for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect), The Gary Pavilion at Children's Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 13123 E 16th Ave., B390, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Maha Almuneef
- National Family Safety Program, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, and King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz Medical City-Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pediatrics, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Saudi Arabia
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Itani L, Haddad YC, Fayyad J, Karam A, Karam E. Childhood adversities and traumata in Lebanon: a national study. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2014; 10:116-25. [PMID: 25356085 PMCID: PMC4211136 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901410010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 08/02/2014] [Accepted: 08/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The goal of this paper is to map the total occurrence and evaluate the risk of co-occurrence of childhood adversities (CA) and a wide variety of childhood traumatic events (including war) in a national sample. METHOD The nationally representative sample included 2,857 respondents and the instrument used was the Composite International Diagnostic Interview which screened for all CAs and traumatic events. RESULTS 27.9% experienced CAs; the most common were parental death and parental mental/substance use disorder. 70.6% experienced a war-related traumatic event during their lifetime, and around half of them (38.1%) experienced it below the age of 18 years. 51.3% of the subjects experienced a traumatic event not related to war during their lifetime, and 19.2% experienced it before the age of 18 years. Sexual abuse, being a refugee during war, and experiencing a natural disaster were associated with female gender. Having any CA was associated with active war exposure (OR: 4.2, CI: 2.0-8.6); war-related direct personal trauma (OR: 3.9, CI: 1.5-10.0); war-related trauma to others (OR: 2.4, CI: 1.3-4.4); non-war direct personal trauma (OR: 3.8, CI: 2.0-7.4); and any non-war childhood traumatic event (OR: 1.9, CI: 1.1-3.1). CONCLUSION Childhood is awash with adversities and traumatic events that co-occur and should be measured simultaneously; otherwise, the effects of a subset of traumata or adversities could be wrongly thought to be the contributor to negative outcomes under study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Itani
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Youmna C Haddad
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon ; Dept. of Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology, St. George Hospital University Medical Center, Balamand University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - John Fayyad
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon ; Dept. of Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology, St. George Hospital University Medical Center, Balamand University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Aimee Karam
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon ; Dept. of Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology, St. George Hospital University Medical Center, Balamand University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Elie Karam
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy & Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon ; Dept. of Psychiatry & Clinical Psychology, St. George Hospital University Medical Center, Balamand University, Faculty of Medicine, Beirut, Lebanon
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Khoury-Kassabri M, Attar-Schwartz S, Zur H. Understanding the mediating role of corporal punishment in the association between maternal stress, efficacy, co-parenting and children's adjustment difficulties among Arab mothers. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2014; 38:1073-1082. [PMID: 24856131 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2014.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2014] [Revised: 04/14/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
This study, guided by the Family Systems Theory, examines the direct effect of maternal use of corporal punishment on children's adjustment difficulties. Also, it explores whether corporal punishment serves as a mediating factor in the relationship between several maternal characteristics, marital relationships, and children's adjustment difficulties. A total of 2,447 Arab mothers completed anonymous, structured, self-report questionnaires. The use of corporal punishment was generally strongly supported by the Arab mothers in our sample. A greater likelihood of using corporal punishment was found among mothers of boys rather than girls, among mothers with lower perceived self-efficacy to discipline children, and among mothers with a lower perception of their husbands' participation in child-related labor. In addition, the higher a mother's reports on disagreement with her husband about discipline methods and the stronger her level of maternal stress, the more likely she was to use corporal punishment. Corporal punishment also mediated the association between the above mentioned factors and child adjustment difficulties. Furthermore, a husband's emotional support and family socioeconomic status were directly associated to children's adjustment difficulties. The results of the current study emphasize the need to observe children's development within the context of their family systems and to consider the mutual influences of different subsystems such as marital relationships and mother-child interactions. Prevention and intervention programs should raise parents' awareness concerning the harmful effects of corporal punishment and take into account the impact of dynamic transactions of parental conflicts and disagreements regarding discipline methods on child outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Khoury-Kassabri
- School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Hana Zur
- School of Social Work and Social Welfare, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
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González MR, Trujillo A, Pereda N. Corporal punishment in rural Colombian families: prevalence, family structure and socio-demographic variables. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2014; 38:909-916. [PMID: 24275547 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 10/11/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To reveal the prevalence of corporal punishment in a rural area of Colombia and its correlates to family structure and other socio-demographic variables. METHOD A survey about childrearing and childcare was developed for this study, including a specific question about corporal punishment that was developed based on the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Family structure was categorized as follows, based on previous literature: 'nuclear family,' 'single parent' family, 'extended family,' 'simultaneous family' and 'composed family.' RESULTS Forty-one percent of the parents surveyed admitted they had used corporal punishment of their children as a disciplinary strategy. The type of family structure, the number of children living at home, the age of the children, the gender of the parent who answered the survey, and the age and gender of the partner were significant predictors of corporal punishment. CONCLUSION Family structure is an important variable in the understanding of corporal punishment, especially in regard to nuclear families that have a large number of children and parents who started their parental role early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Rocío González
- Universidad de La Sabana, Department of Psychology, Campus Universitario Puente del Común, Km,7 autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía, Colombia
| | - Angela Trujillo
- Universidad de La Sabana, Department of Psychology, Campus Universitario Puente del Común, Km,7 autopista Norte de Bogotá, Chía, Colombia
| | - Noemí Pereda
- Resarch Group on Child and Adolescent Victimization (GReVIA), Universitat de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron, 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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