Citation

Horenstein D. Child. Youth Serv. Rev. 1979; 1(3): 315-325.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1979, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0190-7409(79)90056-2

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Behavioral observation of battered children reveals a generalized syndrome consisting of apathy, social isolation, emotional constriction, aggression, and intellectual, motor and language retardation. This syndrome is considered to be a 'behavioral deficiency syndrome.' Developmental interference imposed by abusive parents upon the child, and subsequent reactive learning by the child are discussed as etiological factors in the development of this syndrome. Implication of these etiological factors for therapy of the abusive family are also discussed.