Transcultural nursing considerations of child abuse/maltreatment in American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia.

Abstract

A conceptual analysis focuses on defining child maltreatment from the perspective of two Island nations in the Pacific Basin, American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia. Based on a review of the literature on child maltreatment laws and cultural factors in each region, a range definition is proposed. The range definition is comprised of defining features and borderline features for child maltreatment as it exists across these cultures in the Pacific Basin. Defining features were derived from evaluation of child abuse and neglect laws in each specified population. Borderline features were derived from cultural factors in American Samoa and the Federated States of Micronesia. While these Island nations already have child abuse and neglect laws, they are adapted from the United States. The degree at which unreasonable harm becomes abuse is culturally dictated, hence, these territories of the Pacific Basin are seeking culturally specific terminology when defining child maltreatment. The findings of this analysis indicate the significance of transcultural knowledge in nursing practice and the legal accountability nurses hold on the issue of child maltreatment.