American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) Practice Exam 2025 - Free ABPN Practice Questions and Study Guide

Low socioeconomic status is most closely associated with child abuse and neglect due to several interconnected factors. Families with limited financial resources may experience heightened stress levels, leading to challenges in meeting basic needs such as food, shelter, and healthcare. This stress can be exacerbated by feelings of hopelessness, social isolation, and a lack of access to support services, which can increase the risk of abusive behaviors.

Additionally, poverty can contribute to risky parenting behaviors and environments, where caregivers may struggle with substance abuse, mental health issues, or lack of education about effective parenting practices. Consequently, children living in low socioeconomic conditions may also be in environments that are less stable, increasing their vulnerability to various forms of abuse and neglect.

While other factors listed, such as a child having behavioral problems, a large family size, or being a female child under 12, can correlate with increased risk, they do not as strongly or directly relate to the systemic issues of stress and resources as does low socioeconomic status. These additional factors may be present in abusive situations but are often seen more as consequences or situational characteristics rather than primary risk factors on their own.