The effects of emotional distress, parenting stress, and marital satisfaction on Chinese mothers who potentially physically maltreat their children

Despite the extensive research conducted on child maltreatment, a limited number of studies have focused on the risk factors for and characteristics of potential child maltreatment among Chinese parents. The primary purpose of this study was to explore the roles of emotional distress, parenting stress, and marital satisfaction in contributing to maternal risk of child physical maltreatment. The expectation was that the results could provide a better understanding of assessment and treatment to prevent mothers at risk of physically harming their children from engaging in child physical abuse.;A convenience sample of 150 Hong Kong Chinese mothers was recruited from various community settings. Results from multiple regression analyses indicated no significant relationships between maternal emotional distress and child physical maltreatment, whereas parenting stress was found to increase the likelihood of child physical maltreatment. Additionally, it was found that marital satisfaction did not act as a moderator between child physical abuse and either emotional distress or parenting stress. These results suggest that cultural dynamics and values play a large role in maternal risk factors.