Functioning of child maltreating families: lack of resources for caring within the family

The purpose of this study was to develop a preliminary theoretical model of functioning of child maltreating families. Child maltreatment was defined as physical, psychological or sexual abuse or neglect caused by the child's primary caregivers. The aim was to generate knowledge needed in developing understanding and the care of these families. Data were collected using interviews with open-ended questions from child maltreating families (n = 20). Transcribed interviews were analysed by using grounded theory and its constant comparative method. The categories of family functioning included structural factors of the family, relationships between family members, relationships outside the family, family strengths, and risk factors and manifestations of maltreatment. The relationships that emerged between these categories included conflicts and negative circles of family life and the effects of child maltreatment on the family. Lack of resources for caring within the family emerged as the core category which described the phenomenon in general and was connected to all other categories of family functioning. The findings can be useful in developing the care of child maltreating families, in nursing education and in preventing child maltreatment.