An exposure-coping model of accident liability among children.

Medical record data on number of injuries were used to select samples of children with varying degrees of accident liability. Interviews with mothers provided data about the behavioral characteristics of these children. The findings are discussed in terms of a conceptual model of accident liability among children which is based on two concepts: exposure to hazards and ability to cope with hazards. In general, the data support the model. However, modifications are suggested to account for personality maladjustment which, under certain conditions, also appears to be an important variable.