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The cumulative effect of neglect and failure to thrive on cognitive functioning
L M Mackner1, R H Starr, M M Black
1Department of Psychology, University of Maryland Baltimore County 21228, USA.
Insights
Child neglect and failure to thrive (FTT) together significantly impair cognitive development in low-income children. Early identification of both risk factors is crucial for intervention.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
- Child Welfare
Background:
- Child neglect and failure to thrive (FTT) are significant concerns in low-income populations.
- Understanding the combined impact of these factors on child development is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between neglect, FTT, and cognitive functioning in low-income children.
- To examine the cumulative effect of risk factors on cognitive development.
Main Methods:
- A cumulative risk model was employed.
- 177 children aged 3–30 months were assessed.
- Neglect was defined using the HOME scale, and FTT by weight-for-age below the 5th percentile.
Main Results:
- Children experiencing both neglect and FTT showed significantly lower cognitive performance.
- Cognitive deficits were more pronounced in the combined risk group compared to those with single risk factors or none.
Conclusions:
- Accumulated risk factors, specifically neglect and FTT, are detrimental to cognitive functioning.
- Thorough evaluation is essential when any single risk factor is identified.
- Children with both neglect and FTT are at high risk for cognitive deficits.
Objective:
A cumulative risk model was used to examine the relationship among neglect, failure to thrive (FTT), and cognitive functioning in low income children.
Method:
A sample of 177 children 3 to 30 months old was recruited from a pediatric clinic serving low-income, primarily African American families. Four groups were formed based on neglect and FTT status: Neglect and FTT, Neglect Only, FTT Only, and No Neglect or FTT. FTT was defined as weight-for-age below the 5th percentile on growth charts. To avoid the biases associated with Child Protective Service reports as definitions of neglect, the HOME scale (Caldwell & Bradley, 1984) was used to define neglect.
Results:
The cognitive performance of the group with neglect and FTT was significantly below that of the children in the Neglect Only, FTT Only, and No Neglect or FTT groups.
Conclusions:
These findings support a model in which the accumulation of risk factors is detrimental to cognitive functioning. The results also underscore the need for thorough evaluation when one risk factor has been identified. Growth failure may come to the attention of medical personnel, but neglect may not be detected. However, a child experiencing both neglect and FTT may be at risk for significant deficits in cognitive functioning.
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