Women who abuse their children: implications for pediatric practice
B. Rosen and M. T. Stein
Parents who abuse their children may not accept traditional therapy but may
be influenced by the child's primary care physician. A comparative study of
abusive and nonabusive mothers showed abusers to have lower self-concept
and higher self-concept incongruence and inconsistency than nonabusers.
They were also found to value authority over others more, and conformity
and benevolence less, than nonabusers. Practically applied, the data lead
the pediatrician to an educative and supportive role in which he or she may
enhance self-esteem and lower unrealistic expectations in the course of
treating the child. In addition, there seems to be a need to develop access
to support groups, day care, and other avenues for the mother's personal
growth. This may be done either within a pediatric practice or through
liaison with community resources.
