Family structure variations in patterns and predictors of child victimization

Am J Orthopsychiatry. 2007 Apr;77(2):282-295. doi: 10.1037/0002-9432.77.2.282.

Abstract

In a national probability sample of 1,000 children aged 10-17, youth from single parent and stepfamilies experienced higher rates of several different kinds of victimization compared with youth living with two biological parents. Youth in stepfamilies had the highest overall rates of victimization and the greatest risk from family perpetrators, including biological parents, siblings, and stepparents. Elevated risk in stepfamilies was fully explained by their higher levels of family problems. Victimization risk in single parent families was more affected by their lower socioeconomic status and residence in more violence neighborhoods and schools.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child Abuse / psychology*
  • Child Abuse / statistics & numerical data
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / psychology*
  • Child Abuse, Sexual / statistics & numerical data
  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Crime Victims / psychology*
  • Crime Victims / statistics & numerical data
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Family Characteristics*
  • Family Relations
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Life Change Events
  • Male
  • Parenting / psychology
  • Parents / psychology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Single Parent / psychology*
  • Single Parent / statistics & numerical data
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • United States