Marital conflict strategies predict child abuse potential in Dutch families from low socioeconomic backgrounds

We examined the association between marital conflict and child abuse potential in N=86 Dutch families from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The percentage of parents who exceeded the upper 5 percent cut-off score an Milner's Child Abuse Potential Inventory was 17%. It was found that lower socioeconomic status, relatively inadequate marital conflict strategies, and fewer marital conflicts predicted higher child abuse potential. In particular physical aggression towards the partner, avoidance of conflicts, and stonewalling contributed to increased child abuse potential. Although more positive mari... Mehr ...