Question

Describe parental and environmental risk factors for child maltreatment. Then discuss factors that appear to mediate the impact of abuse.

Answer 1

Parental and environmental risk factors for child maltreatment include;

Parental risk factors

• Pregnancy was not wanted
• Parents have a background of abuse when growing up
• Young single mother often with low education
• Parents have unrealistic expectations of the child and lack of parenting knowledge
• Parents are isolated and have few supports
• Parents have a mental illness or are abusing drugs or alcohol

Environmental factors:

• Overcrowding in the house
• Poverty or lack of opportunity for improving the family’s resources
• Presence of violence in the family
• A nonbiological adult living in the house
• Family; experiencing multiple stresses

The Mediating Factors include the child's age as there is evidence that how a child attributes about an event is a key factor, meaning that older children may be more at risk, as they can better understand the stigma associated with victimization. Older children may also be better able to fight back and protect themselves