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Child neglect is the most prevalent form of child maltreatment (CM) in the U.S. and is consistently associated with negative outcomes for children. Although some research suggests that differences in parenting exist across the spectrum of maltreatment severity, little is known about whether and how severity of neglect relates to observed parenting quality. The present study tested whether mothers who engage in documented, higher severity neglect of their children would display less warm, affiliative parenting, and more harsh, controlling parenting while interacting with their preschool child, than less severely neglectful mothers, and non-CM mothers. A sample of 121 mother-preschooler dyads [low severity neglect (n = 29), high severity neglect (n = 40), and non-CM (n = 52)] participated, and parenting behaviors were coded during a joint laboratory challenge task. This study explored associations between severity of child neglect perpetration through coding of child protective services case records; and quality of observed parenting, using observational, micro-social coding of parenting behaviors. Regression analyses showed that high severity neglecting mothers displayed significantly less warm, affiliative parenting than lower severity neglecting and non-CM mothers, and more harsh, controlling parenting relative to their non-CM peers. Further, there were no differences between low severity neglect and non-CM mothers in the amount of warm, affiliative parenting observed. These findings advance our understanding of child neglect by revealing important differences in quality of observed parenting across the spectrum of neglect severity. Implications for conceptualizing child neglect and targeted intervention strategies are discussed., Author(s): Maria L. Schweer-Collins [sup.1], Kathleen A. J. DeBow [sup.1], Emma R. Lyons [sup.1], Elizabeth A. Skowron [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.170202.6, 0000 0004 1936 8008, Department of Counseling Psychology [...]

Participants were grouped on the basis of theological beliefs about divine-human and female-male dynamics using cluster analysis. We then explored whether these subgroups might differ on (a) hierarchical social expectations, [...]

Differentiation of self represents the integration of two life forces: autonomy and connection with others. The aims of this study were to test whether differentiation was associated with emotional connectedness in a sample of Panamanian emerging adults (n = 110) and to explore the psychometric properties of two instruments for use in the Panamanian cultural-context: the Spanish-Differentiation of Self Inventory (SDSI-R) and the Relational Health Indices – Spanish (RHI-S). Emotional cutoff showed a significant association with emotional connectedness while results showed no evidence of a relationship between emotional reactivity and emotional connectedness. Both questionnaires demonstrated reliability and validity. Implications for family therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is evidence that risk for delinquency is elevated among girls with foster care histories, and one correlate of delinquency is affiliating with peers who engage in delinquent behavior. Although intervention studies have shown positive effects of interventions that target delinquent peer affiliation on reductions in delinquency among adolescents with juvenile justice histories, the success of such interventions for younger girls in foster care, without prior involvement with juvenile justice, is unknown. We analyzed data from a randomized clinical trial of the middle school version of the Keep Safe intervention in a sample of girls in foster care (n = 100). The intervention was delivered to girls and foster parents during the transition to middle school. Path analysis suggested a significant intervention effect on reduction in affiliation with delinquent peers at 12 months (B = −.21). No significant mediation effects were identified. The middle school Keep Safe intervention shows promise as a preventative intervention for reducing affiliation with delinquent peers, which importantly is associated with adolescent delinquent behavior. Implications for researchers and professionals who tailor and deliver evidence-based programs for girls in foster care are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study assessed the cross-cultural relevance of Bowen Family Systems Theory by adapting and validating the Differentiation of Self Inventory - Revised in a sample of Greek Cypriots (N = 717). Results indicated high internal consistency (α =.90). Confirmatory factor analysis revealed an adequate fit of data to the original four-factor structure. Construct validity was demonstrated by a significant association between the Greek Differentiation of Self Inventory and trait-anxiety. Findings suggest the Greek Differentiation of Self Inventory - Revised is a valid and culturally sensitive instrument. Implications for counseling and therapy are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]