Current issues and challenges in the definition and operationalization of child maltreatment: A scoping review. (June 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Laajasalo, Taina; Cowley, Laura Elizabeth; Otterman, Gabriel; Lamela, Diogo; Rodrigues, Leonor Bettencourt; Jud, Andreas; Kemp, Alison; Naughton, Aideen; Hurt, Lisa; Soldino, Virginia; Ntinapogias, Athanasios; Nurmatov, Ulugbek
• Is Part Of: Child abuse & neglect. Volume 140(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-06
• Subjects: Child maltreatment -- Child abuse and neglect -- Definitions -- Scoping review; Child abuse -- Periodicals; 362.76
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106187
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-2134

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Studies show considerable variability in the definitions and operationalization of child maltreatment (CM), which limits research, policy formation, surveillance, and cross-country and cross-sector comparisons. Objective: To review the recent literature (2011–2021) to understand current issues and challenges in defining CM, to assist in the planning, testing and implementing of CM conceptualizations. Methods: We searched eight international databases. Articles were included if the substantive content was related to issues, challenges, and debates in defining CM, and the article was an original study, review, commentary, report, or guideline. The review followed methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews and was reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. Four experts in CM conducted a thematic analysis to summarize findings. Methodological rigor of the included studies was not formally assessed. Results: We identified 7372 potentially relevant articles; 55 full-text studies were assessed for eligibility, 25 satisfied the inclusion criteria. We identified three themes: 1) strategies to define CM, including the integration of child and victim perspectives; 2) difficulties in defining specific CM types; and 3) real-world implications for research, prevention and policy. Conclusions: Despite longstanding concerns, challenges regarding the definitions of CM persist. A small minority of studies have tested and implemented CM definitions and operationalizations in practice. The findings will inform international multi-sectoral processes to develop uniform definitions of CM, for example by highlighting the need to acknowledge challenges in defining some CM types and emphasizing the importance of considering the perspectives of children and CM survivors. Highlights: The included studies were heterogeneous in terms of their aims, publication type and methodology Only a small number of studies tested and implemented child maltreatment (CM) definitions or conceptualizations in practice More attention should be paid to the conceptualization of psychological/emotional maltreatment, as well as neglect The findings highlight the importance of child/victim participation in defining CM The consideration of cultural factors in defining CM, and online violence, received relatively little emphasis