Breaking the Cycle of Maltreatment: The Role of Safe, Stable, and Nurturing Relationships

Abstract

We examine two research questions. First, does a history of child maltreatment victimization significantly increase the likelihood of maltreatment perpetration during adulthood? Second, do safe, stable, and nurturing relationships (SSNRs) during early adulthood serve as direct protective factors, buffering protective factors, or both to interrupt intergenerational continuity in maltreating behaviors? Methods: Data come from the Rochester Youth Development Study that followed a community sample from age 14 to 31 with 14 assessments. Maltreatment victimization records covering birth through 17 were collected from Child Protective Services records as were maltreatment perpetration records from age 21 to 30. Data on five SSNRs were measured during three interviews from age 21 to 23. Results: There is a significant relationship between maltreatment victimization and maltreatment perpetration (OR = 2.57; 95% CI = 1.47, 4.50). Three of the five SSNRs investigated—relationship satisfaction, parental satisfaction, and attachment to child—served as direct protective factors, significantly reducing risk for those who had been maltreated. However, none of the interaction terms—between maltreatment victimization and the SSNR—were statistically significant, indicating that the SSNRs did not serve as buffering protective factors. Conclusions: Although a history of maltreatment significantly increases the risk of subsequent perpetration of maltreatment, enhancing safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with intimate partners and with children during early adulthood can decrease the odds that a victim of maltreatment will become a perpetrator. Mandated reporters and service providers should be aware of the risk posed by earlier maltreatment and be prepared to ameliorate that risk, in part by strengthening supportive social relationships. (Author Abstract)