A predictive and follow-up study of abusive and neglectful families by case analysis

The aim of this study was to develop methods, categories, and criteria for investigating and evaluating parental functioning and potential and to relate the accuracy of such categories to prognosis. A case analysis, a predictive study, and a follow-up study of 17 abused and/or neglected children was conducted 5-6 years later. Categories were developed and cases analyzed for stress factors in childhood, youth, and early adult life and for factors related to social network, finances, work, accommodation, pregnancy, and marriage. The cases were also analyzed with regard to the following dimensions: immaturity, emotional problems, psychosis, mental retardation, alcohol and drugs. Seven areas of parental functioning were scored on a 4-point scale. The child's role and the effect of parents' unresolved problems upon the parent-child interaction were also studied. The findings of this study, limited though it is in scope, suggest 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.