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Child Abuse and Neglect Definitions, Classifications, and a Framework for Research
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This landmark book is the first to offer researchers and policymakers perspectives on developing a precise, scientifically valid system of defining, classifying, and measuring child maltreatment. Directly addressing the biggest barriers to research — lack of consistent definitions and measurement approaches— Child Abuse and Neglect is the result of two federally funded workshops that pooled the expertise of two dozen researchers. Together, these experts present a framework for conducting successful research, giving readers the information they need to:
- clarify the limitations of current definitions, classification systems, and measurement approaches
- revise the research definitions for four types of abuse: physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological maltreatment, and neglect
- use multi-method, multi-source approaches to classification and measurement
- understand how social policy trends help or hinder both research and practice
- address the ethical challenges of conducting research with vulnerable children and families
A resource for researchers and policymakers, this volume will help the field reach consensus on how to define and measure child maltreatment — and facilitate research that lays the groundwork for better prevention and treatment efforts.
Table of Contents
I. Classification of Child Abuse and Neglect
An Examination of Research in Child Abuse and Neglect: Past Practices and Future Directions
Defining Child Abuse and Neglect: A Search for Consensus
Rosemary Chalk
Characteristics of Child Maltreatment Definitions: The Influence of Professional and Social Values
II. Definition and Theory in Child Abuse and Neglect
Operationally Defining Physical Abuse of Children
Defining Child Neglect
Defining Child Sexual Abuse
Defining Psychological Maltreatment
In Search of Construct Validity: Using Basic Concepts and Principles of Psychological Measurement to Define Child Maltreatment
III. Current Approaches to Measurement
Self-Report Approaches
Measuring Child Abuse and Neglect Using Child Protective Services Records
Direct Observations and Laboratory Analog Measures in Research Definitions of Child Maltreatment
IV. Social Policy Issues
Policy and Applied Definitions of Child Maltreatment
The Impact of Information Technology on Defining and Classifying Child Abuse and Neglect
A New Look at Ethical Issues in Child Maltreatment Research
Conclusions and Future Research Directions
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