Rejection parenting style is a key factor associated with child maltreatment during COVID-19 in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

PURPOSE: To investigate the factors contributing to child maltreatment in Indonesia during the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, highlighting the overlooked impact of parenting practices on various maltreatment forms during this unprecedented period. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, the research used the ICAST-C (Indonesian version of Child Abuse Screening Tools for Children) tool to assess instances of child maltreatment. The study consisted of 219 high school students from Bekasi and Bandung City in West Java, Indonesia, selected through a stratified proportionate random sampling approach, followed by recruitment and consent procedures. An online questionnaire facilitated data collection, which was analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Children experiencing parental rejection were significantly more likely to face violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.99; p<.001). Rejection-based parenting was identified as a significant causal factor contributing to psychological maltreatment (AOR, 3.59; p<.001), whereas higher parental education levels directly contributed to increased psychological maltreatment (AOR, 1.99; p=.024). Additionally, rejection significantly influenced physical maltreatment (AOR, 5.17; p<.001) and neglect (AOR, 3.29; p<.001). Interestingly, emotional warmth is also linked to heightened neglect (AOR, 2.29; p=.017). These findings highlight rejection as a critical factor influencing overall child maltreatment (AOR, 6.99; p<.001). CONCLUSION: This study establishes a significant causal relationship between parental rejection and various forms of child maltreatment, excluding sexual violence. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions, such as parenting education and community support, to address parental rejection and promote healthier parenting practices. Longitudinal studies are essential for further exploring these dynamics.