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Neuromotor functioning and behavior problems in children at risk for psychopathology
A J Bergman1, M A Wolfson, E F Walker
1Department of Psychology, St. Johns University, Jamaica, New York 11439, USA.
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Children exposed to maltreatment show poorer neuromotor skills and more behavioral issues. The link between motor skills and behavior differs based on parental psychiatric status, indicating complex risk factor interactions.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Psychopathology
Background:
- Early neuromotor deficits are linked to later psychopathology.
- Understanding risk factors for developmental and behavioral issues is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between neuromotor dysfunction and behavioral deviance in at-risk children.
- To investigate how parental psychiatric status and maltreatment influence this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 108 children (mean age 9.75 years) assessed over approximately 1 year.
- Assessment of neuromotor functioning and behavioral deviance.
- Inclusion of children with various risk factors: parental schizophrenia, other parental psychiatric disorders, and parental maltreatment.
Main Results:
- Maltreated children exhibited poorer neuromotor functioning and more behavior problems compared to non-maltreated children.
- The association between neuromotor functioning and problem behaviors was moderated by parental psychiatric status.
- Effects of maltreatment were pervasive, but specific relationships varied by risk factor type.
Conclusions:
- Parental maltreatment has widespread negative effects on child development.
- Distinct patterns exist between neuromotor function and behavioral deviance depending on specific familial risk factors.
- Intervention strategies may need to be tailored based on the nature of the child's risk exposure.