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. 2010;39(2):208-19.
doi: 10.1080/15374410903532650.

Predicting child abuse potential: an empirical investigation of two theoretical frameworks

Angela Moreland Begle  1 , Jean E Dumas, Rochelle F Hanson
Affiliations

Predicting child abuse potential: an empirical investigation of two theoretical frameworks

Angela Moreland Begle et al. J Clin Child Adolesc Psychol. 2010.

Abstract

This study investigated two theoretical risk models predicting child maltreatment potential: (a) Belsky's (1993) developmental-ecological model and (b) the cumulative risk model in a sample of 610 caregivers (49% African American, 46% European American; 53% single) with a child between 3 and 6 years old. Results extend the literature by using a widely accepted and valid risk instrument rather than occurrence rates (e.g., reports to child protective services, observations). Results indicated Belsky's developmental-ecological model, in which risk markers were organized into three separate conceptual domains, provided a poor fit to the data. In contrast, the cumulative risk model, which included the accumulation of risk markers, was significant in predicting child abuse potential.

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Developmental-Ecological Model
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