Media Advisory

Positive relationship factors may help break cycle of child maltreatment

What

The Journal of Adolescent Health released a special supplement investigating the role of safe, stable, nurturing relationships (SSNRs) and social contexts in the cycle of child maltreatment across generations. Efforts focused on enhancing SSNRs between parents and children, as well as between parents and other adults, may be a helpful prevention strategy for breaking the cycle of child maltreatment and promoting life-long health.

The special issue includes the following:

• Examining the Role of Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships in the Intergenerational Continuity of Child Maltreatment—Introduction to the Special Issue
• Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships Break the Intergenerational Cycle of Abuse: A Prospective Nationally Representative Cohort of Children in the United Kingdom
• Disrupting Intergenerational Continuity in Harsh and Abusive Parenting: The Importance of a Nurturing Relationship with a Romantic Partner
• Tests of the Mitigating Effects of Caring and Supporting Relationships in the Study of Abusive Disciplining Over Two Generations
• Breaking the Cycle of Maltreatment: The Role of Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships
• Safe, Stable, Nurturing Relationships as a Moderator of Intergenerational Continuity of Child Maltreatment: A Meta-Analysis
• The Complex Etiology and Lasting Consequences of Child Maltreatment
• Advances in Understanding Intergenerational Transmission of Parenting Practices and the Role of Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships: Comments on a Promising Approach, Practical Application, and Some Cautions

When

September 20, 2013

Where

Journal of Adolescent Health

Findings
Key findings emerged on the positive effect of SSNRs on disrupting the transmission of child maltreatment across generations:

• Parents who were maltreated as children were more likely to have children who were also maltreated.
• SSNRs may help break the cycle of maltreatment from parent to child.
• Supportive and nurturing relationships for adults can be protective for children

For more information on child maltreatment prevention, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childmaltreatment/index.html
For more information on creating SSNRs, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/childmaltreatment/essentials/index.html
For more information on the Adverse Childhood Experiences study, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/ace
For more information on CDC’s Public Health Leadership Initiative, visit: http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/phl/index.html

 

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES