Introduction

This first chapter provides an overview of the book, laying out its theoretical, empirical, and applied structure. Theoretically, the importance of studying child abuse is discussed, and theories that provide the explanatory power of maternal experiences for survivors are provided. Empirically, psychological outcomes are examined that include post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts using a developmental pathway perspective. Other challenges for survivors that have drawn a particular focus in the literature, including eating disorders, motherhood-child bonding, and childbirth, are examined. The final chapters provide an applied perspective considering the challenges and opportunities afforded by screening, with a focus on trauma-informed care and strategies for building resilience for survivors of childhood adversity. Finally, drawing on the research in the book, the Multi-level Determinants of Perinatal Well-Being for Child Abuse Survivors model is proposed, providing a framework for clinicians to provide a trauma-informed care for survivors. The chapter concludes by asserting that the book, with its focus on areas that intersect between clinicians, researchers, and psychologists, will be a valuable resource for professionals in this area.