Risk factors of child maltreatment within the family: towards a knowledgeable base of family nursing

The purpose of this study was to compare family dynamics in child maltreati ng families (n = 42) with that in ordinary Families with children (n = 77), and to ascertain risk factors of child maltreatment within the family. Chi ld maltreatment was defined as physical, psychological or sexual abuse or n eglect of a child by a parent. Data were collected using questionnaires (Fa mily Dynamics Measure 2, FMD 2) (N = 119) basing on Barnhill's conceptual f ramework of healthy family systems and analysed by forming sum variables an d logistic regression. The study results indicate that family functioning i n child maltreating families is lower on all dimensions of family dynamics (individuation, mutuality, flexibility, stability, communication and roles) than that in ordinary families with children. Furthermore, it seems that s pecifc risk factors, detected with logistic regression analysis, are relate d to whether child maltreatment occurs in the family or not. These include the parent's low educational background, many children in the family, unemp loyment of a parent, low individuation of the family members, and poor stab ility and security within the family. The results of this study provide gui delines for detecting and preventing child maltreatment as well as for reco gnising its existence, although no generalizations can be made due to the s mall sample size and complexity of the phenomenon under study. (C) 2001 Els evier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.