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Study of Family Interaction Lead to New Understanding of Abusive Parents
Researchers at the University of Toronto have taken important
steps toward producing a profile of an abusive parent. Prof. Gary
Walters and doctoral student Lynn Oldershaw of the Department of
Psychology have developed a system to characterize parents who
physically abuse their children.This could ultimately allow social
service professionals to identify parents in child abuse.
Over the last five years, Walters and Oldershaw, in
collaboration with Darlene Hall of the West End Creche, have examined
over 100 mothers and their three to six-year-old children who have
been physically abused. In the laboratory, the mother and child spend 30
minutes in structured activities such as playing, eating and cleaning-
up. The family interaction is video-taped and later analyzed.
The researchers have developed a system which allows them to record
the effectiveness of parenting skills. They are particularly
interested in disciplinary strategies because abuse most commonly occurs
when the parent wants the child to comply. "It's a question of trying to
determine which type of parent produces which type of child or which
type of child elicits which type of parental behaviour," explains
Oldershaw.
As a result of their work, Walters and Oldershaw have identified
distinct categories of abusive parents and their children.
'Harsh/intrusive' mothers are excessively harsh and constantly badger
their child to behave. Despite the fact that these mothers humiliate
and disapprove of their child, there are times when they hug, kiss or
speak to them warmly. This type of mothering produces an aggressive,
disobedient child.
A 'covert/hostile' mother shows no positive feelings towards her
child. She makes blatant attacks on the child's self-worth and
denies him affection or attention. For his part, the child tries to
engage his mother's attention and win her approval.
An 'emotionally detached' mother has very little involvement
with her child.She appears depressed and uninterested in the
child's activities. The child of this type of mother displays no
characteristics which set him apart from other children.
In order to put together a parenting profile, the two researchers
examine the mother/child interaction and their perception and
feelings. For instance, Walters and Oldershaw take into account the
mother's sense of herself as a parent and her impression of her child.
The researchers also try to determine the child's perception of
himself or herself and of the parent. Abusive parents are often
believed to have inadequate parenting skills and are referred to
programs to improve these skills.These programs are particularly
appropriate for parents who, themselves, were raised by abusive parents
and as a result are ignorant of any other behavior toward her child.
One of the goals of the psychologists is to provide information
to therapists which will help tailor therapy to the individual needs of
the abusive parents. "Recidivism rates for abusive care-givers are
high," says Walters. "To a large extent, abusive parents which require a
variety of treatment. " Their research is funded by the Social
Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Contact:
Gary Walters (416)978-7814
Lynn Oldershaw (416)978-3528
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