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Breaking the cycle in abusive families.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|October 1, 1979
Summary
Breaking the intergenerational cycle of child abuse and neglect is possible. Families achieved this through strong support networks, self-awareness, optimism, and effective crisis management, offering hope for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Sociology
Background:
- Intergenerational transmission of abusive and neglectful parenting is a documented societal problem.
- Previous research has focused on the perpetuation of these harmful family patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze the mechanisms of change in families that successfully broke the cycle of intergenerational child abuse and neglect.
- To offer a more hopeful perspective on addressing abusive family dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of 40 families who deviated from the intergenerational pattern of abuse and neglect.
- Identification of common strategies and resources utilized by these families.
Main Results:
- Families relied on extensive support networks.
- Key factors included self-differentiation, realistic optimism, and effective resource mobilization during crises.
- These elements facilitated a break in the cycle of harmful parenting.
Conclusions:
- Breaking the cycle of intergenerational child abuse is achievable.
- Further research into these exceptional cases is recommended.
- A more optimistic and resource-focused approach is beneficial for intervention strategies.