Parents of battered babies: a controlled study.

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  • Author(s): Smith SM; Hanson R; Noble S
  • Source:
    British medical journal [Br Med J] 1973 Nov 17; Vol. 4 (5889), pp. 388-91.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: British Medical Association Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0372673 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0007-1447 (Print) Linking ISSN: 00071447 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Br Med J Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Original Publication: London : British Medical Association
    • Subject Terms:
      Child Abuse* ; Parents*; Adult ; Age Factors ; Antisocial Personality Disorder ; Child Rearing ; Child Welfare ; Crime ; Female ; Humans ; Intelligence ; Male ; Neurotic Disorders ; Personality Disorders ; Social Class ; Time Factors
    • Abstract:
      A controlled investigation of 214 parents of battered babies shows that they were young and predominantly of lower social class. Premature parenthood is an associated feature. Among the mothers 76% had an abnormal personality and 48% were neurotic. Nearly half were of borderline or subnormal intelligence; 11% had a criminal record. Of the fathers 64% had an abnormal personality, more than half being psychopaths. Twenty-nine per cent. had a criminal record. Recidivism is an associated feature.The risk of battering possibly diminishes with time. The teaching of appropriate child-rearing skills, symptomatic relief, and social relearning are suggested as realistically based treatment methods and should be combined with a care order. When response to treatment appears unlikely permanent removal from parental care should be considered.
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    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 19731117 Date Completed: 19740109 Latest Revision: 20190501
    • Publication Date:
      20221213
    • Accession Number:
      PMC1587797
    • Accession Number:
      10.1136/bmj.4.5889.388
    • Accession Number:
      4749758