Condiciones familiares y maltrato infantil

Abstract

This article deals with family conditions (structure and family system interactive patterns) which are considered as risk factors for children abuse. Method. Descriptive research multimethod (cuantitative and cualitative), data were obtained from a retrospective study (1970-2000) of public and private elementary schools, from pre-school to sixth grade. The instruments used were: 1) the family test drawing, 2) a questionnaire to the child. 3) a questionnaire to the teachers about family conditions and his (her).adaptation to the school activities. Protocols were analyzed to derive data about the family structure and dynamics. All the data were integrated in a summary sheet and processed statistically using the spss 10.0 program. Results. Significant data (÷2>0.05) of the family structure,interaction and socialization patterns, and school adjustment of the public and private schools children are discussed as well as changes between the research of 1970 and 2000. Discussion. Pupils with poor school achievement present the following family conditions: 1) diffuse family structure as the child does not discriminate the authority figure within the system. 2) the family system presents poor and few interaction patterns and recreational activities. 3) the child does not identify with any adult member of the family, has a poor self-esteem, and presents a high level of troubled relationships. 4) the disciplinary methods used at home are basically physical punishments or indifference. 5) teachers report negligence as to the child hygiene and health, as well as difficulty to interview the parents. When these conditions are compared with the notion of «children abuse», it is found that the family conditions of many children present important risk factors that may precipitate critical situations of abuse.