title: Family functioning in neglectful families.
abstract: Family functioning in 103 neglectful and 102 non-neglectful low-income families is examined using self-report and observational measures. Neglectful mothers reported their families as having more family conflict and less expression of feelings, but not less cohesive. Ratings of observed and videotaped family interactions indicated neglect families were less organized, more chaotic, less verbally expressive, showed less positive and more negative affect than comparison families. However, there were wide differences on measures of functioning among neglect families. Three distinct types of neglectful family functioning are identified and interventions for each type are suggested to improve parental-family functioning.
authors.affiliation: University of Georgia, School of Social Work, Athens 30602-7016, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Gaudin
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Polansky
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Kilpatrick
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Shilton
mesh_terms: D000385:Aid to Families with Dependent Children; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D002648:Child; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D017579:Domestic Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D018479:Early Intervention, Educational; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005219:Father-Child Relations; D005260:Female; D005845:Georgia; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D009034:Mother-Child Relations; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012424:Rural Population; D015406:Single Parent / Q000523:psychology