Comparison of Physical Child Abusers, Intrafamilial Sexual Child Abusers, and Child Neglecters

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Abstract
One hundred and fifty subjects, including 30 physical child abusers, 15 intrafamilial sexual child abusers, 30 child neglecters, and three matched comparison groups were compared on levels of distress, unhappiness, loneliness, rigidity, negative concept of child and self, child problems, and problems from family and others. All child maltreatment groups reported elevated levels of personal distress, unhappiness, loneliness, and rigidity. Sexual child abusers reported more positive views of their children and self and fewer problems with their children than physical child abusers and child neglecters. Sexual child abusers also reported fewer family problems than physical child abusers. Results support previous observations that child maltreatment groups overlap on a number of personal characteristics. However, compared to other maltreatment groups, sexual child abusers were found to view their children in a more positive manner and report fewer child-related problems, suggesting these characteristics may have utility in the differential screening and treatment of sexual child abusers.

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