Child-to-Parent Violence in Sweden – Validation of the Abusive Behavior by Children- Indices (ABC-I) and the Prevalence of Abusive Behavior

Abstract Purpose Child-to-parent violence (CPV) is an increasingly important social issue, with most research concentrated in a few countries, highlighting a need for more research on the subject. In this study, we therefore validate the Swedish version of the Abusive Behavior by Children-Indices (ABC-I), a self-report tool with subscales for verbal aggression, coercive behavior, and physical aggression. We also explore the prevalence of CPV among Swedish adolescents. Methods Using data from a self-report survey conducted among a stratified sample of adolescents in southern Sweden ( N = 5310; 53.2% female; M age = 16.17, SD = 1.6), we validated the three-component structure of the ABC-I using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). We also analyzed differences in the prevalence of various types of abuse and aggression by sons and daughters against mothers, fathers, or either parent using Pearson’s chi-square test. Results The Swedish version of the ABC-I shows predictive and concurrent validity in capturing CPV across genders and age groups, although caution is advised when interpreting the verbal aggression scale. The overall prevalence of any form of abusive behavior toward parents was 15% (5% for physical abuse, 4% for verbal abuse, 11% for coercive behavior). Violence against mothers was more common than against fathers, with daughters being more aggressive and abusive, particularly toward mothers. Conclusions We argue that the Swedish version of the ABC-I constitutes a valuable tool for assessing CPV. The relatively high prevalence of overall CPV underscores the need for further research in order to develop effective prevention strategies and interventions.