Competentiebeleving en meldingen kindermishandeling

Abstract

Introduction. This study describes research on the correlation between self-competence regarding the signalling of child abuse in toddlers (2-4 years) and the number of child abuse reports by preschool teachers in Utrecht. Child abuse is defined as physical abuse, mental abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. According to the literature gaining more self-competence means a higher level of signalling child abuse and actually reporting it. Method. Participants in this research were 57 feminine preschool teachers of ‘Spelenderwijs’ (Mage = 40.70, SD = 11.18). Participants filled outthe two surveys: Background Data Employees and Competence Experience Child Abuse . Multiple regression analyses and a moderation analysis were executed. Results. There was no significant relationship found between self-competence regarding the signalling of the four different types of child abuse and the number of reports by preschool teachers. Furthermore, the relationship between self-competence and number of reports was moderated by the variable age at the bivariate correlation analysis. During the multiple regression the moderator age was not significant. Discussion. The conclusion of this study is that there was no correlation between self-competence and number of reports. In contrast to the expectations according to the literature. It is important that preschool teachers feel competent enough to report child abuse because not doing a report could endanger children's development. Further research is recommended.