There are many, many factors that can be commonly linked to child abuse and neglect, but the three most common factors are poverty, stress, and the coping abilities (or age) of the parents (Takyi 590). All of these factors are important to understand so that the cycle of child abuse and neglect can be controlled and hopefully reduced in our society.

             Poverty can create child abuse for many reasons. The parents are poor, and have no hope of bettering themselves. They may be undereducated, or addicted to alcohol or drugs, and be unable to care for their children much of the time. This can lead to both neglect and abuse. One writer notes, "Children of every race and class suffer from abuse and neglect, but minority and poor children are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system" ("Covering Child Abuse"). Many of America's poorest people are so poor that they have no way to change their situations. They cannot earn more money because they do not have the skills to get better jobs. They cannot move to better neighborhoods because they cannot afford to save the money to move up. Their lives seem hopeless, and so, they take that hopelessness out on their children because they do not know what else to do.

             Stress is also a factor in child abuse. Parents often work long hours and are tired, cranky, and impatient with each other and with their children. There can also be stress about money, job, and other important issues. This can lead to a lack of patience with children, and can lead to neglect and abuse. A parent may lash out at a child because of other stressful issues in their lives.

             Finally, the factor of parental age and coping abilities is a major factor in abuse. Some parents simply are not able to cope with their children or bond with them, or they may be domestic abusers and continue this trend with their children. Another writer notes, "The researchers found that parents who felt their kids were difficult or deserved punishment were more likely to abuse their offspring" ("Finding Links to Child" 6).