Stress, child-caregiver disability, and family dysfunction characteristics contributing to child abuse and maltreatment recurrence: a structural equation model.

Child abuse, neglect, and maltreatment (CANM) represents a significant public health threat. The study's goal was to identify factors contributing to CANM and its high recurrence. We utilized 2019–2020 National Child Abuse data to test a structural equation model of Child/Caregiver Disability variables; Home Instability variables; and CANM recurrence. We hypothesized a six-factor model with Home Instability as a mediator. Of 1,221,176 victims, 29.9% had a prior victimization. A four-factor, mediational structural equation model showed strong fit (GFI = 0.946, NFI = 0.919) and was superior to alternative models. The study provides a framework for community leaders to reduce CANM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]