Citation

Azar ST. Crim. Justice Behav. 1991; 18(1): 30-46.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1991, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0093854891018001004

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This review assesses progress in the development of causal models of physical child abuse by examining the foundations of current theorizing. The sociopolitical forces and methodological problems that have acted to inhibit model building are highlighted. Existing models are then analyzed using five dimensions important to theory construction: definitions, basic assumptions, levels of analysis, complexity, and forms of antecedent-consequence relationships posited. Progress and conceptual problems in current theorizing are discussed and guidelines for future theory development are outlines.

Language: en