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Profiles and Predictors of Neurodevelopmental Functioning among Young Children Experiencing Family Homelessness
Janette E Herbers1, Carmela J DeCandia2, Katherine T Volk3
1Villanova University, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova, PA, USA.
Half of homeless children show resilient neurodevelopmental functioning. Parental mental health and overreactive parenting predict poorer outcomes for at-risk children experiencing homelessness.
Area of Science:
- Child Development
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatric Neurodevelopment
Background:
- Children experiencing family homelessness face housing instability and poverty-related stressors.
- Variability in children's experiences necessitates person-centered approaches to understand risk and resilience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify distinct profiles of neurodevelopmental functioning in young children experiencing homelessness.
- To examine demographic and ecological predictors of these neurodevelopmental profiles.
Main Methods:
- Latent profile analysis was used with a sample of 231 children (ages 3-5) in homeless shelters.
- Parent-reported data across ten neurodevelopmental domains informed the profiles.
- Predictors included child's age, ethnicity, adverse childhood experiences, parent mental health, and parenting style.
Main Results:
- Five distinct neurodevelopmental profiles were identified, with half the children showing resilience.
- Maladaptive profiles varied in specific strengths and challenges; a small group showed pervasive difficulties.
- Higher parental mental health issues and overreactive parenting predicted poorer neurodevelopmental profiles.
Conclusions:
- Person-centered approaches reveal diverse neurodevelopmental trajectories in children experiencing homelessness.
- Parental factors significantly influence children's neurodevelopmental outcomes in this vulnerable population.
- Findings support targeted interventions and policies to bolster resilience and mitigate risks for homeless children.
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