Intergenerational Transmission Theory

The Intergenerational Transmission Theory suggests that there are various levels of exposure to trauma as it pertains to abuse. The trauma can lead a likelihood involvement in abusive and violent relationships later in life (Fox, Robson, & Gover, 2005). The Intergenerational Transmission Theory states that those who experience abuse or witness abuse will develop an abnormal perspective of violence. Another theory is the Mimetic Theory, which states that those who are exposed to trauma are at a higher risk of modeling that abusive behavior. The Mimetic theory states that those being abused view their abuser as powerful and admirable and therefore act violently in order to imitate or mimic the acts of violence (Craig & Sprang, 2007). Mimetic theory is in some ways the opposite of Intergenerational Transmission theory of abuse in
What this is saying is that situations that take place within the family can cause strong emotional stressors. These stressors are risk factors that can lead to abuse if not resolved. Families that experience illness, unemployment, financial problem and relational problems have a higher rate of abuse than families without these stressors (Crosson-Towner, 2005). Some cultures and families find that authoritarian parenting is best parenting style, however many problems have been seen with this style. Social Support Theory suggest why women are statistically shown to be the prepatrator of child abuse. Although, household duties have balanced over the years, women are found to be the primary caregiver of children. Because mothers are around their children more this theory states that this allows them more time to exert abusive behavior towards children (Chang, Theodore, Martin, & Runyan, 2008). As well as abuse, they are likely to neglect their children as they are responsible for their daily care. Research has also been done on Attachment Theory in regards to child abuse and neglect. Attachment Theory states , "that either secure or