What Do We Know About the Physical Abuse of Stepchildren?

Abstract

Assumptions of the increased risk for stepchildren of physical abuse by a stepparent are based on a very limited and increasingly outdated literature. Although the majority of the 11 studies reviewed suggest that stepchildren are overrepresented as physical abuse victims, most of these studies are limited by their small sample sizes, consideration of households rather than victim-offender relationship, and the use of a low comparison population estimate of children living in stepfamilies, leaving questions remaining about the comparative risk of physical abuse by a stepparent. The following provides summaries of the studies' research questions, theoretical foundations, methods, and findings. Additionally, recommendations for future research are offered that center on the need for process studies of family interactions.

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