Munchausen by proxy: A qualitative investigation into online perceptions of medical child abuse
Date
2018
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Publisher
Journal of forensic sciences
Abstract
In Munchausen by proxy (MBP) maltreatment, increasingly termed “medical child
abuse” (MCA), a caregiver fabricates or induces illness in another. The perpetrator’s goal for the
behavior is to meet personal emotional needs by forcing unnecessary or misguided medical or
psychological treatment. Generally, a mother is the perpetrator and her child is the victim. There is a
serious lack of research into most aspects of MCA, and the current study is the first to utilize the
anonymity of an Internet forum to investigate victims’ first-hand experiences of, and the public’s
opinions about, suspected and confirmed MCA. Three-hundred and fifty-six posts by 348 members
were explored and coded using formal qualitative content analysis. By accessing an open-thought
online forum, the current paper acquired information regarding social perceptions about the nonperpetrating partners who are unaware of the maltreatment; the disturbing and counterintuitive
phenomenon of MCA itself; and the resistance often faced by those who attempt to report it.
Description
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Keywords
child abuse, neglect, research, Munchausen by proxy, caregivers
Citation
Anderson, A. P., Feldman, M. D., & Bryce, J. (2018). Munchausen by proxy: A qualitative investigation into online perceptions of medical child abuse. Journal of forensic sciences, 63(3), 771-775.