CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT EXAM 2
TERRY SMITH QUESTIONS AND
ANSWERS
Physical child abuse (definition) - Answer-Non-accidental injury inflicted by a caregiver
National Center on Child Abuse and Neglect - Answer-They have a data system where
all tips are put. Calls have to be screened before added to the data base.
Causal factors of physical abuse (psychopathological) - Answer-Primary cause resides
within parent.
(Psychodynamic model)Disturbance in nurturing relationship between parent and child,
parent has potential to abuse based on his/her rearing, role reversal.
(Mental illness model) Underlying cause of abuse, borderline,Bipolar
(Character-Trait model) Self-centered, impulsive, rigid, hostile, dependent/passive
Causal factors of physical abuse (Interactional) - Answer-(Martin) child perceived by
parent as abnormal or different and becomes target of abuse
(Zimrin) encounter theory: traits, characteristics of parents interact with that of children
in such a way that abuse occurs
(Family structure) dysfunctional family patterns (severe enmeshment or scapegoating)
Causal factors of physical abuse (environmental-sociological-cultural categories) -
Answer-Environmental stress model (poverty, unemployment, poor education)
Social learning model (emphasizes parental inadequacy) Not learned effective, non-
harmful, discipline methods, ignorant of child development, unready for parenthood and
become easily frustrated
Social-psychological model (frustration and stress)
Psychosocial systems model (dysfunctional family patterns) Parents have unmet needs
which children are expected to meet, environmental stressors
Characteristics that predispose a child to be physically abused - Answer-Conceived out
of wedlock, special child (premature, physical handicap, chronic illness, learning
problems), adolescent striving for autonomy
Physical symptoms of abuse (bruises) - Answer-90% of cases, critical is pattern and
distribution, indicative of abuse: those prior to becoming ambulatory, on various parts of
the body, back of legs, upper arms and chest, neck, head and genitals, any areas
covered in clothing, clear pattern.
Physical symptoms of abuse (fractures) - Answer-Strong indicator of abuse in children
under 1
, Physical symptoms of abuse (head injuries) - Answer-Skull fractures, subdural
hematoma, retinal detachment, hemorrhage, black eyes (both are especially suspicious,
abdominal injuries
Physical symptoms of abuse (burns) - Answer-10% of cases, cigarette (on abdomen,
genitals, bottom of feet), Tap water (most common): gloved hands or socked feet,
patterned (grill, iron, etc)
Behavioral indicators in children being abused - Answer-Unresponsive to environment,
developmental lags, impaired capacity to enjoy life, enuresis, encopresis, temper
tantrums, low self esteem, withdrawal, verbal inhibition, regression, fearful of failure,
poor peer relationships, running away, substance abuse, depression
Tasks that abusive parents have not learned - Answer-Getting needs met, separating
feelings from actions, determining limits of responsibility, making decisions, delaying
gratification
Sibling abuse - Answer-Older sibling has greater power, knowledge, and resources,
models role of abuse parents and seeks to dominate or punish younger child, initiates
abuse in the form of play
Effects of domestic violence on children - Answer-Child maltreatment, they may grow up
to do the same in their relationships
Child neglect (definition) - Answer-Reckless failure to provide, by those responsible for
the care, custody, and control of the child, the proper or necessary support, education
as required by law, nutrition or medical, surgical, or any other care necessary for his
well-being; and food, clothing, or shelter sufficient for life or essential medical or surgical
care
Types of neglect (medical) - Answer-Non-compliance with recommended care, delay or
failure in getting healthcare, non-organic failure to thrive, drug exposed newborns,
obesity, refusal of medical interventions and immunizations
Types of neglect (safety) - Answer-Lack of supervision and careful monitoring, failure to
remove hazards and avoid dangerous situations
Types of neglect (educational) - Answer-Kept from school to do work or babysitting,
exaggerated illness
Types of neglect (physical) - Answer-Failure to provide regular, ample meals, failure to
keep children clean, basic needs for clothing and shelter not met
Types of neglect (emotional) - Answer-Failure to provide affection, attention, withdrawal,
developmental delays, self stimulating behaviors, insecure play