Stress, child-caregiver disability, and family dysfunction characteristics contributing to child abuse and maltreatment recurrence: a structural equation model

ABSTRACTChild abuse, neglect, and maltreatment (CANM) represents a significant public health threat. The study’s goal was to identify factors contributing to CANM and its high recurrence. We utilized 2019–2020 National Child Abuse data to test a structural equation model of Child/Caregiver Disability variables; Home Instability variables; and CANM recurrence. We hypothesized a six-factor model with Home Instability as a mediator. Of 1,221,176 victims, 29.9% had a prior victimization. A four-factor, mediational structural equation model showed strong fit (GFI = 0.946, NFI = 0.919) and was superior to alternative models. The study provides a framework for community leaders to reduce CANM. Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThe author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.