When Is Maltreatment 'Acceptable'? Cross-Cultural Patterns in Child Maltreatment Exposure and its Perceived Social Acceptability Across 13 Countries and Regions

Child maltreatment (CM) is a global phenomenon, yet its prevalence, acceptability, and psychosocial consequences vary across cultures. This study examined self-reported CM, its perceived acceptability, and associations with psychosocial outcomes among 1,617 adults (Mage = 25.21, SD = 6.74) across 13 countries and regions. Participants completed an online survey assessing physical neglect, physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, sexual abuse, and witnessing domestic violence, alongside perceived acceptability, post-traumatic growth, resilience, perceived social support, post-traumatic symptoms, and psychological distress. Country/region differences were tested via mixed-effects; whether CM-outcome associations varied by country/region was tested via fixed-effects interaction models. Significant cross-country/region variability emerged for most CM subtypes, especially for emotional maltreatment. Witnessing domestic violence rates did not differ significantly, though its acceptability still varied significantly, as did all other types. Greater CM exposure was linked to poorer mental health for several subtypes and to greater acceptability of maltreatment, raising concerns about intergenerational normalisation. CM-outcome associations were largely consistent across countries/regions, with only isolated, exploratory exceptions. Findings show that while CM's adverse psychosocial impact shows little cross-national variation, its prevalence and normative framing are culturally shaped, underscoring the need for culturally sensitive assessment and intervention.