Provides background to a forum on psychological mistreatment of children. This forum attempts to stimulate efforts to examine the prevention, treatment, research, and policy aspects of this phenomenon, which many psychologists contend is the core issue in child abuse and neglect. (Author/LHW)

Psychological maltreatment appears to be more prevalent and potentially more destructive than other forms of child abuse and neglect. However, it receives little attention from the public or professional sector. This article reviews the literature and concludes that psychological maltreatment is the core issue in child maltreatment. (Author/LHW)

Identifies several research directions for psychologists interested in studying the psychological maltreatment of children and youth. In order to organize research, two conceptual perspectives are suggested: ecological and developmental. Policy issues are also discussed. (Author/LHW)

In order to help a disturbed child, the entire family must be treated. By observing the family interacting in a clinical setting, symptoms that were previously treated as an individual's isolated problems can more accurately be seen as part of the dynamics among all family members. (Author/GC)

Child and family policy often has been based on myths of childhood and family life instead of on empirical evidence. As a result policy tends to reflect irrational bases and conflicting goals. Psychologists can act as advocates by clarifying these myths for policymakers in family law. (Author/VM)

Psychological maltreatment may be too imprecise a concept on which to base involuntary intervention in families. Before intervening on these grounds alone, the state should find an actual or reasonably foreseeable injury which, if untreated, will create protracted difficulties for the child. (Author/LHW)

Reviews definitions, causal hypotheses, research, and information regarding incidence and treatment of child abuse. Discusses problems with screening, including poor validity of the measures utilized to predict abuse, invasion of family privacy, and the absence of adequate treatment and prevention programs. (GC)

Focuses on two major and general approaches to analyzing the problems of child abuse; briefly discusses the prevention implications; deals with the individual physical abuse of children, with particular emphasis on the relationship between theoretical formulations of the causes of individual physical abuse and preventative programs; and, finally,…

The needs of families of the mentally ill are being newly evaluated. While family burden remains a real concomitant of mental disorders, assistance from mental health professionals often falls short of family needs. Family consultation seeks to address these serious family problems. Issues for graduate psychology education are discussed. (AF)

Describes long- and short-term changes in women's employment. Introduces a set of "Psychology in the Public Forum" articles that address the consequences of these changes for women's health and for their families, and delineate the government's responses. Discusses the mission of the Network on the Determinants and Consequences of Health-Promoting…

Child adjustment to divorce is discussed as an interaction among four components: (1) beliefs, values, and attitudes surrounding modern family life; (2) social supports that reduce stress, and stability of the postseparation environment; (3) nature of preseparation and postseparation family functioning and support systems; and (4) children's…

The role of psychologists in helping families of the one in five Americans suffering from mental illness is described. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill has been active in bridge building between psychologists and families through enhanced communication and improvements in support systems. An agenda of 15 recommendations for further…

Proposes a national family policy that would acknowledge the diversity of families, protect their economic well-being, and provide flexible ways to meet economic and social needs. Discusses the following major issues: (1) family and medical leaves; (2) child care; and (3) child support enforcement. Reviews proposed Federal family legislation. (FMW)

Reports the findings of a task force convened to develop strategies for prevention and treatment of psychological, psychosocial, and psychosomatic disorders associated with the Persian Gulf War. Discusses who is at risk, stress reactions to look for, and guidelines for successful coping. Recommends specific interventions at the institutional,…

Mental illness has a catastrophic impact on the family, subjecting its members to severe burden and life stress. In addition, families are often implicated in the origins of the illness by themselves, society, and mental health professionals. New alliances with clinicians are helping to support and destigmatize these families. (AF)