Attitudes about child maltreatment in China and the Netherlands

Definitions of child maltreatment vary between studies, and few are informed by research in non-Western countries. We examined attitudes about China the Netherlands. The sample consisted 304 participants from three groups (mothers, fathers, teachers) two countries (China Netherlands). Participants completed Maltreatment Q-sort which 90 items reflecting four types (physical abuse, emotional physical neglect, neglect) divided 9 stacks 10 cards least (1) to most (9) damaging child. average within-country ( r = .57) within-group .58) agreement order harmfulness behaviors did not differ between-country .49) between-group .53) agreement. Physical abuse was seen as harmful form neglect pƞ 2 .88). Higher thresholds were found for labeling maltreatment, perceived need intervention a professional than non-professional .67). These higher Chinese Dutch .31). areas promising because successful collaboration within could lead more prevention maltreatment. difference Netherlands however, stresses importance cultural sensitivity when implementing programs.