CHILD ABUSE AND ACCIDENTS: DIFFERENT MANIFESTATIONS OF COMMON ETIOLOGY?

Abstract

The concept of accidents as random events is approached critically in this study comparing 44 abused children to 44 children with accidents, matched on age, race and social class. All were hospitalized and under 5 years. Using a structured, precoded maternal interview and review of medical records, data were gathered on: demographic information, family and disciplinary histories, current social situation, supports and stresses, maternal disposition and approaches towards the child, child's health, temperament and social development.

The groups were first compared on individual variables. Those that emerged as significant discriminators were entered into stepwise discriminant function analyses. The resultant profile was examined for its ability to predict between the accident and abuse groups.

The majority of variables were similar for the two groups. The major significant differences pertained to social isolation, poverty (despite matching), stresses, paternal history of harsh discipline, and maternal perception of child as sickly, and socially immature. In each area, the abuse group reported the greater difficulties. The findings suggest the need for a broadened classification system for children's traumatic injuries, to better guide appropriate medical management.

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