Severe child physical abuse: A psychological research agenda

Severe child physical abuse is considered more prevalent than statistics indicate,

at least 1-2 children are documented to die at the hands of a parent/carer each

week in the UK. Records indicate that approximately 60% of these offenders are

male (Sidebotham, Brandon, Bailey & Belderson, 2011; Sinal et al, 2000).

Children living with unrelated males are more than 50 times more likely to die

than those who reside with both biological parents (Missouri, Schnitzer &

Ewigman, 2005). A paucity of research exists to understand the psychological

pathways of these male offenders. This article suggests a psychological agenda to

examine the pathways of these perpetrators. Discussion focuses on the value of

examining specifically the belief systems (cognitive distortions); personality traits;

impulsivity; self-esteem; empathy and attachment styles of this offender group.