Which of the following may be considered a factor in child abuse?

• A. Parental psychosis.
• B. Low socio-economic household.
• C. Poor coping ability.
• D. Parent has average self esteem.

Answer: (C)

A caregiver’s ability to handle stress and regulate emotions is a key factor in child abuse risk. When someone has poor coping skills, they may become overwhelmed by frustration, lose impulse control, and respond to a child with anger or neglect rather than calm, supportive guidance. This impulsive or unregulated reaction increases the chance of abusive or unsafe care, and importantly, coping skills are modifiable through support, parenting education, stress management strategies, and community resources, offering a clear target for prevention and intervention.

While other factors like parental psychosis or socioeconomic hardship can contribute to stress or impairment, they are not as directly tied to the day-to-day ability to respond to a child in a non-harmful way. An average self-esteem level doesn’t inherently raise risk in the same direct, immediate manner as poor coping does.