Study of Family Interaction Le
Study of Family Interaction LeResearchers 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...
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