A study on the characteristics of families with child abuse issues using mixed methods research

The purpose of this study is to use mixed methods research to analyse the characteristics of families with child abuse issues. In this study, the method was used to identify the characteristics of families and identify... [ view full abstract ]

The purpose of this study is to use mixed methods research to analyse the characteristics of families with child abuse issues. In this study, the method was used to identify the characteristics of families and identify effective methods of support based on those findings. For the quantitative portion of this study, a secondary analysis was performed on an investigation of the state of abuse conducted by a child guidance center in 2003 and 2008. Similar patterns in the families were identified using cluster analysis, and logistic regression was used to identify the factors that led to more severe cases of abuse. In the qualitative research, based on the patterns found in the families, the possibilities of home care support were analyzed through conducting interview surveys on victims of abuse. A semi-structured interview was used for the analysis, and was conceptualized using SCAT, a qualitative data analysis method. Furthermore, text mining and correspondence analysis were performed in parallel to verify the reliability of the analysis results. As a result of the cluster analysis, the families were categorized into the two-parent type, the mother-child type, the father-child type, and the common-law type. In the logistic regression analysis, sexual abuse, the age of the child, the child’s recognition of abuse, poor living conditions, the child’s lack of emotions, and delinquent behavior were shown to be contributing factors affecting the child’s safety. The results of the SCAT analysis showed the need for support without stigma for the family, support for going to school and housekeeping, as well as the need for a place of belonging that can be visited at any time supportive of the family. In conclusion, by using mixed methods research, this study was able to identify characteristics of families with child abuse problems and the kind of support these families require.