CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES OF CHILD NEGLECT
Stamatina Douki, Ioannis Koutelekos, Afroditi Zartaloudi
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Publication year:
2026
Authors:
- Douki Stamatina, R.N., R.M.H.N., MSC, PHD(C), Head Nurse of Pschychiatric Halfway house of “Evaggelismos” Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Koutelekos Ioannis, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Nursing A',Technological Educational Institute of Athens
- Zartaloudi Afroditi, Lecturer, Department of Nursing, TEI of Athens
Keywords index:
Pages: 10-16
Abstract:
Abstract
Introduction: Child neglect is one of the most widespread forms of child abuse. It is characterized by a lack of adequate attention,
responsibility, and protection appropriate to the age and needs of the child.
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the phenomenon of child neglect, focusing on its causes and devastating consequences.
Methodology: The methodology included a review of modern international literature through articles and research papers on child neglect, its causes, and its effects. Data were collected from electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and Medline.
Results: Child neglect has a relatively high prevalence rate and an equally negative impact on a child's health and development compared to other forms of child abuse. A significant number of studies reveal a connection between child neglect and risk factors associated with parents, the child, and the environment. Although no single theory fully explains the phenomenon, its effects can impact all areas of a child's development—physical, psychological, emotional, behavioral, and social—and may have disastrous consequences for their later life.
Conclusions: A thorough review of modern international literature highlights that child neglect has both short-term and long-term consequences for the child and society. It results from a complex interaction of risk factors involving the child and their care environment.
As a persistent social phenomenon, child neglect seriously affects public health, requiring the design of interventions and preventivemeasures for its immediate and effective treatment.
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