Child abuse as psychopathology: a sociological critique and reformulation.
Published Jul 1, 1973 · R. Gelles
The American journal of orthopsychiatry
353
Citations
12
Influential Citations
Abstract
Book reviewed in this article: Much of the current research on child abuse employs a psychopathological model, which explains child abuse as a function of a psychological pathology, or a “sickness.” This paper asserts that major deficiencies of this model are its inconsistency and narrowness. It is suggested that a more dimensional approach to child abuse is possible by focusing on the sociological and contextual variables associated with abuse.
Study Snapshot
Key takeawayChild abuse can be better understood by focusing on sociological and contextual variables, rather than solely on psychological pathology.
PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)
Sample size24
MethodsObservational
OutcomesBody Mass Index projections
ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.