Transcript Psychological Assessment of Children
Family Issues:
Marital Conflict, Divorce, Abuse, Neglect
Family Systems Model
Primary Assumptions Reciprocal: individuals shape their environment as well as are shaped by their environments Dynamic: constant interactions among individual and their environments Hierarchical structure: defined by boundaries and subsystems
Macrosystem
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model
Exosystem Microsystem Mesosystem
Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Model
Microsystem: actual settings in which the individual experiences day to day reality Mesosystem: relationships between microsystems Exosystem: situations that have a bearing on child’s development but in which the child does not actually play a direct role Macrosystem: institutional patterns and shared assumptions of a particular culture
Marital Conflict: Types and Child Outcomes
Physical (Domestic Violence) Most linked with externalizing problems in children Traumatic symptoms Verbal Aggression Both externalizing and internalizing problems Withdrawal (Stonewalling) Most linked with depression, anxiety, and social withdrawal in children Mutually respectful, emotionally regulated conflict resolution Well-adjusted children with social problem solving skills
Other Outcomes
Childhood Lower academic achievement Poorer self-concept Poorer social competence Adulthood Lower SES Poorer self-concept Increased marital problems Greater likelihood of divorce
Direct and Indirect Effects
Direct Repeated exposure to conflict undermines children’s capacity for regulating their emotional and behavioral functioning Indirect Spillover hypothesis: Impact on parenting leading to changes in emotional availability (rejection, hostility) and control (lax monitoring, inconsistent or harsh discipline)
Divorce: A Bad Thing?
Reading: Peris, Emery 2004 Prospective study of adolescents in intact vs disrupted homes Discussion
Divorce
Children’s post-divorce adjustment affected by Magnitude and nature of divorce stressors Examples?
Interpersonal and intrapersonal resources Interaction between divorce stressors and resources
Divorce Models
Crisis Acute stress with transition Gradual adjustment Protective factors/Stress buffers Adults: education, employment, social support Children: active coping skills, social support, access to therapeutic intervention Parent-child • Maternal Acceptance • Consistency of Discipline
Divorce Models
Chronic Strain Persistent long-term problems Risk factors Disruptions in parent-child relationships • Inept/neglectful parenting Continuing discord among spouses Loss of emotional support Economic hardship Negative life events (moving, changing schools)
Coping with Divorce
Components of Effective Treatments Improve mother-child relationship quality Praise, Reflective listening Positive activity scheduling Improve effective discipline Structure and consistency Logical consequences Decrease physical punishment Co parenting: Increase father’s access to child Reduce interparental conflict
Co-parenting
People who separate but continue to work cooperatively as parents Respectful (no criticism) Resolve conflicts privately Discuss major issues together and arrive at mutual understanding before speaking with children Don’t make child “confidant” Don’t make child “messenger”
Co-parenting
Points to consider Be clear that divorce is final and NOT child’s fault Remember to problem-solve Education Visitation schedule Finances Medical needs Discipline Holidays/special events Not recommended for all families
Coping with Divorce
Components of Effective Treatments Coping skills training Emotion labeling and expression Positive cognitive reframing to reduce negative thoughts about divorce stressors Effective communication “I” messages Interpersonal problem solving Identify ways to find social support
Child Abuse and Neglect
Florida Statute - Chapter 415: Definitions
Sexual Abuse Any penetration, no matter how slight by penis or any object Any sexual contact of any genital area by person’s genitals, mouth, tongue, hand, etc.
Intentional masturbation Sexual exploitation (engaging in sexual acts or prostitution)
Florida Statute - Chapter 415: Definitions
Mental Injury/Emotional Abuse Injury in intellectual or psychological capacity as evidenced by a discernable and substantial impairment in person’s ability to function within the normal range of performance Physical Harm Acts including punching, beating, kicking, biting, burning, and shaking
Correlates of Child Abuse
Parents have little exposure to positive parental models and support Greater degree of stress in family environment Information processing disturbances may cause parents to misperceive child’s behavior or intent Lack of awareness of developmentally appropriate expectations Conflict and marital violence
Sequelae of Child Abuse
Emotional Anxiety and depression Low self esteem Increased anger/conflict Guilt and Shame Social Withdrawn Inappropriate sexual behavior Vulnerability for re-victimization Behavioral Runaway behavior Self destructive behavior Substance abuse Physical Medical problems Somatic complaints Injuries
Mediating Factors of Child Abuse
Age of child younger children are more vulnerable and have not developed good coping skills, however, older children are more aware of social stigma associated with abuse Psychological condition of victim child with prior emotional problems or an unstable home environment may experience more pronounced problems Not being believed or supported especially from others they trust
Mediating Factors of Child Abuse
Stranger vs. Known person more damaging effects if assaulted by a trusted person Sexual knowledge or experience child with no prior sexual experience may be more vulnerable Type of assault amount of bodily harm or penetration; does child belief body has been damaged?
Repeated assaults more harm of repeatedly being abused
Mediating Factors of Child Abuse
Therapy more likely to recover if they have individual therapy and when they are ready, support group
Child Neglect
Physical: inadequate attention to clothing, food, and health care needs Emotional: inadequate attention to child’s emotional and developmental needs Educational: failure to enroll a child in school in violation of state law, permitting chronic truancy, or refusing to allow needed attention to a diagnosed educational problem
Correlates of Child Neglect
Poverty – *most significant Unemployment Housing instability Single parenthood High risk neighborhoods Household crowding
Correlates of Child Neglect
Family interaction style and stability Lack of affect/apathetic Impulsive parents with poor planning and organization Lack of knowledge about childrearing Social isolation Conflict Infrequent and critical parent-child interaction Children with medical or developmental problems
Sequelae of Child Neglect
Emotional Insecure attachment Low self esteem Increased anger/conflict Social Passive Withdrawn Aggressive with peers Cognitive Impaired development due to lack of stimulation Poor academic success Physical Medical problems Malnutrition
Resiliency and Adaptation
Positive relationship with at least one important and consistent person who provides support and protection Positive self-esteem and sense of self
Prevention and Treatment
Early prevention is key!
However, difficult if parents cannot acknowledge maltreatment Parent and family focused interventions Training in child rearing Stress management Address anger patterns/distorted beliefs Address parenting expectations Household management skills
Prevention and Treatment
Interventions for Children Address child’s need for safety Emphasize emotional expression Address cognitive distortions regarding “world as a scary place” Stay tuned…PTSD lecture
Other Family Issues
Siblings Stepfamilies Single Parent Families Maternal Employment Gay/Lesbian Parents Adoption