Mothers of abused children. A comparison study.

A group of 36 mothers whose children had suffered from child abuse at an average of 5 1/2 years previously was compared with a group of mothers of similar social class where there had been no reported instances of abuse of their children. There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to marital, housing, or financial problems or in physical health. Statistically significant differences were found between the abuse and comparison group mothers in the following areas: the abuse group mothers (1) were less likely to have been brought up by their own parents; (2) had more negative feelings towards their fathers; (3) were more likely to have received help for an emotional disorder; (4) had higher expectations for their children; (5) perceived a greater number of personality problems in their children; and (6) were more likely to have assertive, demanding, and suspicious personality traits. It is possible that these maternal factors will influence the emotional development of their children.