Child abuse: implications for child development and psychopathology

Wolfe reviews existing research on child abuse and the characteristics of children, parents and families with whom abuse is associated. He considers different explanations of abuse and offers new models for research. The complexity of abuse is explained and common misconceptions about who abuses and why are presented. Wolfe also emphasises special issues in child abuse, such as interference with the child′s psychological and behavioural development, the reciprocal influences of children and parents, current assessment and treatment approaches and prevention implications.