Three Decades of Child Maltreatment Research

Abstract

Research studies over the years have attempted to demonstrate and highlight developmental delay in maltreated children. These delays could contribute to a lower readiness for school. This literature review investigates whether infants and primary school-age children with a history of maltreatment really have been shown to struggle at school due to specific developmental delay. The extent of maltreatment, definition problems, and parenting styles are discussed and the results of a systematic review of empirical studies presented. The majority of the studies cited in this review indicate that child abuse is related to delayed language, cognitive development, low IQ, and poor school performance in some way.