Intergenerational Cycles of Maltreatment: A Scoping Review of Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors

Abstract

Child maltreatment tends to show intergenerational continuity. However, a significant proportion of maltreated parents break these cycles. Since several studies have investigated risk and protective factors associated with the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment over the past decades, and no systematic review of the literature is available, this scoping review aimed to summarize studies documenting associated psychosocial risk and protective factors. A secondary objective was to document the prevalence of this phenomenon. A search in six major databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, Medline, Social Work Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations/Theses, and Web of Science) was conducted. Studies involving human participants, presenting original findings, written in French or English, and of any type of design were included. There was no limit regarding the date of publication, except for theses/dissertations (5 years). A final sample of 51 papers was retained, 33 providing data on risk and protective factors and 18 providing only prevalence data. Results indicate that parents’ individual characteristics (e.g., mental health, age), childhood adversity (e.g., multiple forms of adversity), relational (e.g., couples’ adjustment, attachment, social support), and contextual factors (e.g., disadvantage, community violence) are relevant to the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment. Prevalence rates of continuity ranged from 7% to 88%. Major limitations of reviewed studies are discussed. Continued efforts to uncover the mechanisms associated with the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment using strong methodological designs are necessary. Knowledge in this area could lead to the development of effective prevention strategies (e.g., mental health services for parents, family/dyadic interventions) to break harmful intergenerational cycles of violence.

Does It Run in the Family? Intergenerational Transmission of Household Dysfunctions

“…), (Lacey et al, 2020). This variable consistently emerges as a probable mechanism involved in intergenerational transmission (Berzenski et al, 2014;Langevin et al, 2019). Household mental illness has been linked to a higher risk of internalizing problems, such as depression and anxiety (Bevilacqua et al, 2021;Muniz et al, 2019), as well as to a higher risk of externalizing problems (aggression, conduct problems, and criminal activity in children), (Anderson & Hammen, 1993).…”

“…In contrast to other family dysfunctions, studies have mainly yielded mixed results regarding household substance abuse and intergenerational transmission (Langevin et al, 2019). The studies showing a positive link between the two variables showed that children whose parents consume illegal substances were more likely to also use drugs (Augustyn et al, 2020;Kerr et al, 2020).…”

“…In this context, Kaufman & Ziegler (1989), suggest a widely accepted estimated intergenerational transmission rate of 30% (± 5%) for direct maltreatment (not indirect maltreatment was analyzed), i.e., six times higher than the base rate for abuse in the general population (5%). Nevertheless, some recent reviews offer prevalence rates of continuity ranging from 7 to 88%, depending on a vast array of variables (Langevin et al, 2019). The situation also involves a large number of individuals who fortunately do not repeat the learnt maladaptive patterns.…”

“…The situation also involves a large number of individuals who fortunately do not repeat the learnt maladaptive patterns. The individuals that broke the cycle of violence presented more social support, were better able to give detailed accounts of their own experience, less likely to have been abused by both parents, and more apt to report a supportive relationship with one of their parents (Berlin et al, 2011;Kaufman & Ziegler, 1989;Langevin et al, 2019).…”

Intergenerational Transmission of Relational Styles: Current Considerations

“…Their results show the protective role of social support on subsequent violence, depending on the kind of violence history and timing (Tracy et al, 2018 ). Furthermore, higher socioeconomic status, positive relationships with the offspring, higher levels of satisfaction with parenthood, and functional interpersonal relationships in adulthood were found to mitigate this intergenerational transmission (McClellan and Killeen, 2000 ; Tracy et al, 2018 ; Langevin et al, 2019 ).…”