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Published on: September 19, 2019

Child maltreatment among Asian Americans: characteristics and explanatory framework

Fuhua Zhai1, Qin Gao

  • 1Department of Applied Psychology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, New York University, 726 Broadway, Room 529, New York, NY 10003, USA. fuhua.zhai@nyu.edu

Child Maltreatment
|October 31, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Child maltreatment is reported less often in Asian Americans, with physical abuse being common. This low rate may stem from both lower incidence and underreporting due to cultural factors.

Area of Science:

  • Social Sciences
  • Child Development
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The reported incidence of child maltreatment among Asian Americans is disproportionately low compared to other demographic groups.
  • Existing research indicates a unique pattern of abuse, with a higher prevalence of physical abuse and lower rates of neglect and sexual abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the characteristics of child maltreatment within the Asian American population.
  • To develop a theoretical framework explaining the observed patterns and rates of child maltreatment.
  • To identify protective factors, risk factors, and barriers to disclosure influencing child maltreatment reporting.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature on child maltreatment characteristics among Asian Americans.
  • Analysis of cultural and societal factors contributing to the incidence and reporting of child maltreatment.
  • Development of a theoretical explanatory framework integrating identified factors.

Main Results:

  • A high rate of physical abuse and low rates of neglect and sexual abuse were identified among Asian American victims.
  • Protective factors such as emphasis on family harmony and indulgence to infants were noted, alongside risk factors like parental authority and physical punishment beliefs.
  • Factors such as children's obedience and families' invisibility to authorities may contribute to underreporting.

Conclusions:

  • The low reported rate of child maltreatment among Asian Americans is likely a result of both lower incidence and significant underreporting.
  • Cultural nuances play a critical role in both the manifestation and concealment of child maltreatment within this population.
  • Further research and tailored interventions are needed to address the specific needs and challenges related to child maltreatment in Asian American communities.

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