Three theoretical models of child abuse: A critical review

A review of the research on child abuse suggests three basic theoretical models to account for the etiology of abuse: (1) a psychiatric model emphasizing the role of the individual abuser; (2) a sociological model highlighting the role of social factors in abuse; and (3) the effect of the child on caregiver model pointing toward the role the child plays in stimulating his own maltreatment. After reviewing the research evidence in support of each model as well as documenting the inadequacies of each, it is concluded that only a comprehensive framework, subsuming each model, can expect to account for the occurrence of abuse. Furthermore, if treatment and prevention strategies hope to succeed in combatting this disturbing social problem, they must address the influential components highlighted by each of these three models.