Maternal childhood sexual abuse and perpetration of neglect: Exploring risk factors

Despite significant consequences (e.g., greater risk for internalizing and externalizing problems) and high prevalence rates (greater than 15%), neglect is currently the least studied form of child maltreatment. However, prior research suggests that maternal childhood sexual abuse may be a particularly salient risk factor for neglect as it is associated with a number of difficulties that can impair caregiving abilities.

The current study explored multiple potential risk factors for the association between maternal childhood sexual abuse and perpetration of neglect.

This study relied on secondary data analysis from a clinic that conducts evaluations of families involved in child protective services and with high-risk child maltreatment cases. The sample consisted of 410 mother-child dyads.

Multiple risk factors, from the Kempe Family Stress Inventory, were examined as possible mechanisms for an indirect association between maternal childhood sexual abuse and perpetration of neglect. Substance use disorder was examined as a moderator for all effects.

Partial indirect effects were found for maternal childhood sexual abuse and perpetration of neglect, through maternal social-emotional functioning and harsh punishment. Substance use moderated the association between harsh punishment and perpetration of neglect, such that harsh punishment was only associated with an increased probability of perpetrating neglect when mothers also had a substance use disorder.

Present results extend current literature on intergenerational mechanisms of risk and highlight the importance of supporting mothers' own trauma recovery, the development of a positive social community, and the utilization of positive parenting practices.