Understanding child maltreatment from a communication perspective: an empirical examination of planning processes

This study examined the relationship between parental perceptions and child maltreatment indicators as moderated by plan complexity. One hundred three parents in the Athens, GA area completed questionnaires measuring parental competence, trait verbal aggressiveness, social support, plan complexity, and likelihood to maltreat. Results indicated a significant impact for the moderation of plan complexity between perceived parental competence and corporal punishment as well as power independence. Implications for planning theory as well as suggestions for a curriculum in constructive management of child difficulty are discussed.