How Stressful Is Examining Children with Symptoms of Child Abuse?—Measurement of Stress Appraisal (SAM) in German Physicians with Key Expertise in Pediatrics

Abstract

Background: Pediatricians frequently feel uncertain about their ability to detect early symptoms of child abuse and how to respond in suspected cases. Aim: This study investigated the transactional stress model in German pediatricians who experienced imagination stories with a child protection scenario and another potentially stress-triggering scenario. Methods: A two-part survey was conducted online. Each part included a different imagination story and evaluation of the Stress Appraisal Measure (SAM), as well as questions on child protection, current problematics, and suggested remedies. In total, 96 pediatricians participated. The child abuse scenario was perceived as significantly more threatening and more stressful than a medical emergency. The pediatricians declared moderate familiarity with the Child Protection Guidelines and the Federal Child Protection Act and an average confidence in their application. The greatest perceived problems were communication difficulties with parents and youth welfare services. Suggested improvements were concrete procedural directives, more training programs, better interdisciplinary networks, and greater exchange among colleagues. Conclusions: To optimize their potential in the child protection system, pediatricians need to be better supported in coping with the identified stressors in child abuse scenarios.

Knowledge and awareness level of health undergraduate students on child abuse: a cross-sectional study

“…Health professionals who encounter children and are likely to encounter children have an important role to play in the early identification of child abuse 4 . Health professionals have responsibilities not only in the area of child health but also in the area of child protection 5 . The most important of these responsibilities is the early recognition of symptoms of abuse or endangerment in terms of child welfare 5 .…”

“…Health professionals have responsibilities not only in the area of child health but also in the area of child protection 5 . The most important of these responsibilities is the early recognition of symptoms of abuse or endangerment in terms of child welfare 5 . For this reason, all health professionals, regardless of their field of work, need to recognize the early signs and risks of child abuse 6 .…”