The causes of child neglect are complex and can be attributed to three different levels: intrapersonal, interpersonal/family and social/economic. [12] Although the causes of neglect are varied, studies suggest that parental mental health problems, drug use,[19][20] family violence,[21][22] unemployment[23] and poverty[24] are factors that increase the likelihood of neglect. Children born of unwanted pregnancies are more likely to suffer abuse and neglect. [25] [26] They are also more likely to live in poverty. [27] Neglected families often face a variety or combination of adverse factors. Child abuse and neglect are widespread. At least 1 in 7 children has experienced abuse or neglect in the past year in the United States. This is likely an underestimate, as many cases go unreported. In 2020, 1,750 children died from abuse and neglect in the United States. As with any program or intervention aimed at mitigating or mitigating the effects of trauma, it is essential to know the etiology of child neglect and the risk factors and their impact.

Given the prevalence and consequences of child neglect as a type of child maltreatment, empirical research and subsequent use of evidence-based protocols are essential. Overall, research has shown that a convergence of environmental risk factors, rather than one or two factors, is involved in child neglect (Bronfenbrenner, 2000; Mulder et al., 2018). In addition, proximal and non-distal risk factors or social systems more reliably influence the onset and maintenance of child neglect (Mulder et al., 2018). In particular, young, unattached and disadvantaged mothers are most likely to neglect their children (Coulton, Korbin, & Su, 1999), as well as those with current biopsychosocial problems, or parents/caregivers with a history of child abuse and neglect, a current large family, or families with compulsive behaviours, drug/alcohol or otherwise problematic family behaviors (Mulder et al., 2018). In young children, the most common symptom of neglect is stunting. Failure to thrive is difficult to define precisely and has a long list of differential diagnoses (Jaffe, 2011). However, an overwhelming majority of stunting is caused by inadequate nutrition. If medical history and physical examination do not indicate feeding or absorption difficulties, a control feeding trial is indicated (Block et al., 2005). Significant weight gain after several days or better weeks of proper feeding is sufficient for diagnosis.

A study conducted by Robert Wilson, a professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, and colleagues showed for the first time that children under the age of 18, when moderately neglected in any way by their caregivers, were 3 times more likely to have a risk of stroke than those with moderately low scores after controlling for some common risk factors (they surveyed 1,040 participants 55 years of age or older; After 3 1/2 years, 257 of them died and 192 were autopsied, 89 having signs of stroke at autopsy and another 40 with a history of it). Neglect, bullying and abuse have previously been linked to changes in the brain`s gray and white matter and accelerated aging. For more information, see the link to the online article about the NBCNews.com Health VITALS blog study by anonymous LiveScience employees. [52] Professionals should focus on the level of education provided by the child`s caregivers, understanding neglect as a matter of parental behaviour. [60] Some authors consider that establishing the failure of parents and guardians to provide care would be sufficient to conclude that there was negligence. [61] Action for Children[62] states that “a child is neglected when the child`s caregivers do not meet the needs of the child,” with neglect clearly defined as a matter of parental performance. This raises the question of what level of care a caregiver or parent needs to fall to to cause developmental delays, and how exactly to measure that. Triple P has also been made available to families in the UK where neglect is a problem. The results of this service showed that the children who participated in the evaluation experienced an improvement in emotional and behavioural outcomes on average. Children who most often suffer from neglect also have attachment difficulties, cognitive deficits, emotional/behavioral problems, and physical consequences resulting from neglect. Early neglect has the potential to alter the body`s stress response, especially levels of cortisol (stress hormones), which can cause abnormalities and impair the overall health of the body.

Research has shown that there is a link between neglect and disturbed attachment patterns between infants and caregivers. If parents are not sensitive to their baby`s needs, the baby may develop an anxious and insecure attachment. The child`s neglectful behaviour will contribute to attachment difficulties and the formation of future relationships or lack thereof. In addition to biological and social effects, neglect affects intellectual abilities and cognitive/academic deficits. In addition, children who suffer from childhood neglect may also suffer from anxiety or impulse control disorders. Another result of child neglect is what people call “stunting.” Infants who have growth deficits and abnormal behaviours such as withdrawal, apathy, and excessive sleep do not develop instead of becoming “healthy” individuals (Barnett et al., p. 86). [full citation needed].