Guided by models of family unpredictability, this study was designed to identify the distinctive sequelae of disorganized interparental conflict, a dimension of interparental conflict characterized by abrupt, inexplicable changes in parental emotional lability, conflict tactics, and verbalizations. Participants included 208 kindergarten children…

Raising a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses unique challenges that may impact parents' mental health and parenting experiences. The current study analyzed self-report data from 77 parents of youth with ASD. A serial multiple mediation model revealed that parenting stress (SIPA) and parental mental health (BAI and BDI-II) appears to…

The impacts of violence for young children and their caregivers are multidimensional. The story of 2-year-old Tyronne, his mother, Josephine, and his father, James, illustrates the use of a relationship-focused treatment, child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), in addressing the traumatic consequences of exposure to violence. This family's story…

The study compared child behavior in 21 child abusive and 21 nonabusive matched comparison families. While independent observations showed few significant differences in rates of either child or parental behaviors, both mothers and fathers in the abusive group rated their children as more aggressive and more hyperactive than did controls.…

The relationship between family life or stress events and rates of maternal reports of child behavior and child-rearing problems was studied in a birth cohort of 1,265 New Zealand preschool-aged children. Journal Availability: See EC 152 486. (Author/SEW)

Young adolescents (N=178) reported their perceptions of interparental conflict, while their mothers and fathers completed a self-report measure of their conflict. Results indicated that both parental report (particularly maternal) and adolescent perception of interparental conflict were significantly related to teacher assessment of adolescent…

Investigated the problem behaviors of a group of abused children and examined parental reports of behavioral strengths and weaknesses. The results showed that abused children displayed more behavior problems and fewer social competencies than normals. Behavior patterns of abused children closely resembled those shown by children from distressed…

Evaluated was the relationship of the personal and marital adjustment of 31 sets of parents to their own behavior as parents and the behavior problems of their children (mean age 7.7 years). Families who had been referred for behavioral counseling regarding child problems were given a diagnostic battery which included home observations as well as…

Examined within-family differences in parenting and problem behavior in 95 nondivorced and 421 remarried families. Within-family differences in parenting and problem behavior were greatest in remarried families where siblings did not share the same biological parent. Differential treatment was also more strongly related to problem behavior in this…

Little is known about how to make treatment effective for multiproblem, high-stress families. Possible strategies include increased structure, attendance contracts, brief assessments, realistic treatment goals, a focus on one issue, and to help families value therapy. Empirical research and discussion on what works in complex situations is needed.…

A study involving 41 families investigated child and family characteristics associated with stable behavior problems in preschoolers. Results indicated that, at preschool age, children with stable behavior problems had mothers who used more controlling child-rearing practices and had parents who used more aggressive tactics during conflicts with…

Parents (n=79) of children with autism and related disabilities were surveyed about their children's challenging behaviors and what resources were needed to manage these behaviors. A high frequency of such behaviors was reported. Contingency management was the most effective management approach. Results are discussed in terms of families' needs,…

Previous research has produced mixed findings on the role of child and family factors in the genesis of childhood cruelty. The authors examined the relationships of cruelty to animals to a range of child and family factors. First, the authors test the idea that cruelty is a callous aggression that will be more strongly associated with psychopathic…

Different types of homeless families (N=180) are identified empirically, and variations in outcomes for children are explored. Cluster analysis distinguished three groups of families participating in a comprehensive health-care program for children in homeless families. Results, clinical implications, and directions for more sophisticated…

Explains problems with child visiting in cases of domestic abuse. Data on domestic abuse, child care concerns, and child adjustment problems were collected from 25 mothers and 22 fathers at a child visiting program serving separated and abusive families. Psychological abuse of mothers correlated with child adjustment problems. (BB)