Child Abduction, Parents' Distress, and Social Support

Author: Spilman, Sarah K.

Source: Violence and Victims, Volume 21, Number 2, 2006 , pp. 149-165(17)

Publisher: Springer Publishing Company

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Abstract:

This study examines how parents of family and nonfamily abducted children cope with stress due to the disappearance of their child. The results show that all parents experience distress, regardless of whether it was a family or nonfamily abduction. Associated with parental distress are factors such as prior family stress, age of the child, recovery status of the child, and measures of social support. More specifically, helpful support from friends has been found to decrease parents' levels of distress, whereas unhelpful support from family and attorneys may increase distress. Mothers and fathers responded to event circumstances and social support in significantly different ways. The need for further research is discussed in the study's conclusions.

Keywords: KIDNAPPING; MISSING CHILDREN; STRESS; BUFFERING HYPOTHESIS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1891/088667006780644280

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