Predicting Child Abuse Through Parenting Styles of Students in Grades 9-10 in the Sultanate of Oman

Abstract

This study aimed to predict the levels of child abuse among students in grades (9-10) using their perceptions of parenting styles. A random sample of 1080 pupils from grades (9-10) was selected from four regions (South Al Batinah, North Al Batinah, Dakhlia, and Muscat) in the Sultanate of Oman. Study tools consisted of the child abuse scale (Albahrani et al., 2009) and parenting styles scale (Shaibani, 2005). The data were analyzed using the multiple linear regression method of analysis. Results indicated that it was possible to predict the levels of abuse through the patterns of parenting styles (39% of variance was explained). The dimension of consistent parenting was the most powerful predictor of child abuse followed by accepting, interacting and availability. In addition, the results indicated statistically significant differences in child abuse in favor of males and in favor of children from low-income families. The results also showed gender differences (favoring females) in two parenting styles (i.e., acceptance and care), while there were no significant statistical differences in the dimensions of attentions and interaction. Statistical significant differences were found in the four positive parenting styles favoring high-income families.