| The literature indicates that numerous children suffer from maltreatment each year and varying types of abuse and neglect cause them a multitude of psychological, emotional, and academic problems. Child abuse or maltreatment may include physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and general, medical and educational neglect (Bethea, 1999). Researchers seek to explain why some abused children defy the expectations and continue to succeed, while other abused children fail. This dissertation explores the concept of resiliency in maltreated children, the protective factors that promote resiliency, and the protective processes and mechanisms associated with promoting resiliency. The dissertation also examines the inconsistencies in the research on resiliency in maltreated children, including difficulties with definitions, the design of studies, confounding variables, and methods utilized in the assessment of resiliency. Culture and how it affects resiliency in children is also explored. A model for studying resiliency is proposed and recommendations for future research and interventions are made. Finally, a proposed intervention and evaluation plan is discussed which investigates if academic tutoring and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT; Eyberg & Matarazzo, 1980; Eyberg & Robinson, 1982; Hembree-Kigin & McNeil, 1995) can promote resiliency in maltreated children. The dissertation suggests that resiliency is a concept that should continue to be researched and explored in order that it can guide interventions with maltreated children. |
