Marital conflict strategies predict child abuse potential in Dutch families from low socioeconomic backgrounds

We examined the association between marital conflict and child abuse potential in N = 86 Dutch families from low socioeconomic backgrounds. The percentage of parents who exceeded the upper 5 percent cut-off score on Milner’s Child Abuse Potential Inventory was 17%. It was found that lower socioeconomic status, relatively inadequate marital conflict strategies, and fewer marital conflicts predicted higher child abuse potential. In particular physical aggression towards the partner, avoidance of conflicts, and stonewalling contributed to increased child abuse potential. Although more positive marital conflict resolutions were associated with lower child abuse potential, they did not predict abuse potential beyond the contribution of conflict strategies. We suggested that child abuse may be one of many manifestations of difficulties in coping with the conflicts and problems that are intrinsic to close and affective relationships.