This article argues for more systematic attention to self-appraisal processes in study and treatment of abusive parents. The article first summarizes the existing empirical literature regarding parental self-appraisals as they relate to child abuse, then discusses current issues in self-concept research. Findings are reported regarding self-appraisal profiles, change during treatment, and relation to indicants of well-being from a treatment outcome study of abusive mothers. Implications of the conceptual framework and empirical findings for future study are considered.
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