Psychische problemen van peuters en het risico op kindermishandeling

Abstract

Introduction. Toddlers are a vulnerable population for child abuse. The present study examines the relationship between psychological problems in toddlers and the risk for child abuse. Insight in this relation can help in the prevention and early detection of child maltreatment. The focus is on emotional problems, behaviour problems, hyperactivity- and attention problems and social problems. The definition of child abuse is divided in physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. It was expected that psychological problems in toddlers increase the risk for child maltreatment. Method. Data from several questionnaires was used for the present study. A total of 295 participants in the ages of 2-4 years old from 60 locations of early education centres in Utrecht, the Netherlands, participated in this study. Lineair regression analyses have been used to examine the relationship between the concepts psychological problems and child maltreatment. Results. All kinds of psychological problems tested in this study were positively associated with a higher risk of neglect and emotional maltreatment. Due to constant scores on the variables sexual and physical maltreatment, no judgment could be made about this forms of abuse. Conclusion. This research is of added value because more attention will be given to children with psychological problems in the future. As such, their higher risk for maltreatment can be reduced or even prevented. Suggestions for future research and limitations are discussed.