Applied Research in Child Maltreatment: Practicalities and Pitfalls

Presented here is a model of applied research in child maltreatment. Applied research is defined and 3 examples from an ecobehavioral perspective are presented. The advantages of these models along with the inherent systemic, cultural, and familial difficulties of conducting applied research in this area are discussed. Particular attention is paid to problems of attrition and intervention adherence. Potential solutions are presented covering working with social service agencies, use of memoranda of understanding, and the use of focus groups.