Objective:: This study examined the effects of the Webster-Stratton parenting program on the parenting skills of maltreating mothers and on the autonomy of their children (3-8 years). Method:: A randomized controlled trial was used. Twenty-six maltreating families were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: the 16-hour weekly intervention…

This study examined the court records of 206 seriously abused or neglected children and their families in a large urban area and found that in over half the records a parent had been diagnosed as having an emotional disorder and/or low intelligence, with a majority of these diagnoses indicating significant impairment. (Author/DB)

Sixty-four undergraduates rated the videotaped parenting behavior of two intrusive, abusive mothers and two control mothers, on rating scales matching an observational coding system developed by L. Oldershaw and others. Observers' ratings provided evidence of construct validity of the scales. (Author/JDD)

Common themes in research on individuals who were abused as children are reviewed, noting transmission of a basic inability to provide good parenting. Psychological residues are discussed (including low self-esteem) along with delinquency, depression, attachment disorders, and sexual abuse. (CL)

This report on a survey of 224 home visitation programs that provide services for abused and neglected children and their families presents data on program characteristics, characteristics of home visits, credentials of home visitors, and program documentation procedures. Programs reported that training in parenting skills and parent coping were…

This article reviews the literature on the inadequacy and adequacy of parenting by persons with mental retardation and offers new foci for research. It examines issues in predicting parenting inadequacy based on parental knowledge and skill, health care and safety, decision making, interaction, and child outcomes in terms of cognitive delay and…

This study, with 48 infants and toddlers (24 of which were drug exposed), found that mothers who used drugs during pregnancy reported higher levels of total parenting stress, child-related stress, and parent-related stress than foster mothers and comparison mothers. A strong association between maternal use of drugs and serious child maltreatment…

A study using instructional cards about appropriate developmental and behavioral expectations of children and nonviolent approaches to child behavior management child with pregnant and parenting teenagers (approximate n=1,890). Found significant positive gains on all questions. Knowledge gains were generally sustained over several months. (BRM)

A program was established in Rennes, France, to aid expectant mothers felt to be at risk for abusing or neglecting a child. The program provided information, ensured medical/psychological care, decreased social isolation, encouraged independent decision making, fostered communication within the family, and helped mothers establish a nurturing…

Twenty-seven parents with sexually abused children evaluated the effectiveness of a parent support group. Results indicated significant decreases in some of the children's dysfunctional behaviors, increased parental perception of coping skills and confidence as parents, but no change in parents' stress levels. (Author/JDD)

This study examined the self-reported parenting experience and practices of women who were either incest victims of their fathers as children (n=20), whose fathers were alcoholic but not sexually abusive (n=25), or who had no known risk in childhood (n=39). Incest survivors reported less confidence and sense of control as parents. (Author/DB)

A study of 123 families examined the role of parental stress in physically abusive and nonabusive families with conduct-disordered children. Parental stress was found to play an important role in abusive families. Physically abusive families were found to have lower incomes, younger mothers with less education, a history of child abuse, and more…

Seven difficult developmental phases for parents are colic, awakening at night, separation anxiety, normal exploratory behavior, normal negativism, normal poor appetite, and toilet training resistance. Principles of behavior modification and alternatives to physical punishment are given for each phase as part of the treatment plan for the…

Thirty postpartum mothers were studied to determine the impact of early provision of support/education on developing parenting skills to prevent child abuse. An experimental group received special services from student nurses; compared to controls, the group later reported more realistic expectations of infant behavior and embraced more democratic…

A case analysis, predictive study, and follow-up study of 17 abused and/or neglected children found that the prognosis for abusive and/or neglectful parents is poorer when they are scored high on immaturity than when they are scored high on emotional problems. (BRM)