Child Abuse and Aggressive Behavior among Primary School Children

Abstract

Context: Child abuse considered all forms of physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect. Child abuse identified to threaten development, health, dignity, or even survival. Many abused children have ongoing troubles with relationships, trust in others, difficulties at school, and exhibiting aggressive behavior or act nasty towards other children and animals.

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between child abuse and aggressive behavior among primary school children. Subjects and methods: A descriptive correlational research design utilized to achieve the aim of this study.  This research carried out in four schools from an urban and rural area in Minia city. A stratified sample of 150 children in grade six in primary school recruited in the current study. Three tools used to collect data of this study include the Socio-demographic Questionnaire, Child Abuse Scale, and Children Aggressive Behavior Scale.

Results: The current study revealed that about two-thirds of the sample was girls 65.3%, and more than half of them had high levels of child abuse, and aggression at 63.3% & 58.7% respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between child abuse and aggression among primary school children.

Conclusion: The current study concluded that primary school children have a positive connection between child abuse and their aggressive behavior. The study recommended that a counseling program for parent and teachers about the negative impact of child abuse and how to deal effectively with child aggression. Teaching parenting strategies such as alternatives to physical punishment is essential in reducing the recurrence of physical abuse, and that this may enhance parental self-management.