Interaction of the child- relationship with the perpetrator (friend, parent, caregiver), child’s behavior or developmental limitations (child with mental retardation or physical impairments are 3x more likely to suffer maltreatment) Interaction of the familial- martial violence or problems including relationship distress, dissatisfaction, and sexual discontentment Environmental influences- level of stress, social economic status, lack of parenting experience or parenting guidance (exposure to positive parental models and support) Cultural influences- definition/ acceptance of corporal punishment, religious beliefs (gender roles), entertainment industry (stereotypes of weak women and powerful men) Statistic- It is estimated that fewer than 10% of maltreating parents have a primary psychiatric illness, such as paranoid schizophrenia or Factitious disorder by proxy (formerly known as Munchausen by proxy) which might cause them to harm a child. (Box 14.2) pg 424
Relational disorders- transitional periods include postnatal attachment period, the early childhood and early adolescence “oppositional” periods of testing limits, and the times of family instability and disruption. Information-processing disturbances: causes maltreating parents to misperceive or mislabel typical child behavior in ways that lead to inappropriate responses and increased aggression.
This creates an escalating cycle of family turmoil and violence as children’s behavioral and emotional reactions to the violence create additional stress on the marital relationship. Children may also learn from an early age that misbehaving often elicits a predictable parent reaction- even though its negative- which give the child some sense of control.
Explanations for preconditions: Many people believe that sexual abuse is about sexual gratification when in fact it is more often related to the desire for power and the need to humiliate others. In Joline’s case, the psychologist speculated that Mr. Kennington’s recent occupational difficulties, loss of older sons from the house, and arguments with his wife may have created a sense of lack of power that was alleviated by controlling his daughter. In order to do this, many times perpetrators must engage in substance abuse (mainly alcohol), deny negative consequences of the abuse, accept child pornography as an acceptable medium, attribute the behavior to poor self-control, or believe that a parent may do as he or she wishes with a child. These obstacles include discovery or arrest. In Joline’s case, at first, the external obstacles were relatively easy for her father to control because his wife allowed him to spend considerable amounts of time in Joline’s bedroom and ignored her daughter’s complaints about the sexual activity. For example, taking advantage of the child’s initial confusion about the difference between normal parent-child affection and exploitation. Sexual offenders seldom resort to force to gain a child’s compliance because they are motivated to gain the child’s affection, interest, and loyalty. This reduces the chance the child will report the sexual activity.
Deficits include: social isolation, difficultly forming emotionally close, trusting relationship, and low self-esteem.