Young Mothers, Infant Neglect, and Discontinuities in Intergenerational Cycles of Maltreatment.
Bartlett, Jessica.
2012
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Abstract: Infant neglect is the form of child maltreatment that occurs most
often, yet has been the least amenable to prevention. With the aim of informing prevention
efforts, this dissertation study examined moderators and mediators of the relation between
a maternal childhood history of maltreatment and risk for infant neglect among young
mothers (n = 447). Neglect risk was assessed using ... read morefour parenting measures: reports of
neglect substantiated by state child protective services, maternal self-reports of neglect,
maternal sensitivity, and maternal empathy. The study results supported the theory of
intergenerational transmission, but affirmed the hypothesis that most mothers who were
victims of maltreatment break the cycle with their children. Specific patterns of
maltreatment in the sample differed by type (neglect, physical abuse, multiple type
maltreatment) and measurement methodology (substantiated reports, maternal self-reports).
Substantiated reports suggested that infants were neglected most often (16% of the sample),
but self-reports indicated that physical abuse was more common (21% of the sample).
Discontinuity was higher for substantiated reports than self-reports (77% versus 67%).
Maternal age moderated the relation between mothers' childhood history of neglect and
infant neglect, and between mothers' childhood history of multiple maltreatment and
maternal sensitivity. Social support moderated the relation between childhood neglect and
maternal empathy. Racial/ethnic differences emerged for three of the four parenting
outcomes. Significant mediation effects were not found. Study findings highlight resilience
in parenting despite risk for infant neglect, but underscore the context specificity of
protective processes.
Thesis (Ph.D.)--Tufts University, 2012.
Submitted to the Dept. of Child Development.
Advisor: Ann Easterbrooks.
Committee: Ellen Pinderhughes, Theodore Cross, and Catherine Ayoub.
Keywords: Developmental psychology, Psychology, and Social work.read less - ID:
- 6395wk69z
- Component ID:
- tufts:20730
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
