Trained observers used the Standardized Observation Codes III to observe interactive patterns within the homes of 23 mother-child dyads in which the mother had physically abused the child and 24 similar dyads with no history of abuse. Among other findings, results indicated the great classificatory and predictive value of this measurement.…

Among findings of evaluation of the coping strategies of maltreated children (n=152) were that abused children and children both abused and neglected were difficult or compliant in interactions with their mothers, avoidant under stress, and aggressive with siblings; and that neglected children were cooperative in play with the mother, anxious…

Two studies compared individuals at high- and low-risk for child physical abuse on measures of social information processing. In both studies, either childless women or mothers read vignettes of parent-child interactions in which the child's compliance was difficult to interpret. High- and low-risk participants used different evaluation standards…