Methodological inconsistencies confound understanding of language measurement in the child maltreatment population: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: While researchers have found a link between childhood maltreatment and language difficulties, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear and replication across the literature is inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review examining the methodological inconsistencies related to studies' samples construction, maltreatment measurement, and language outcomes using a language acquisition theory-based approach. METHODS: Using the PRISMA framework, a literature search was conducted across five databases to identify studies that have investigated the effects of maltreatment on the language dimensions of vocabulary and grammar. Data were extracted for participant and maltreatment characteristics. RESULTS: Fifty articles were reviewed. The results revealed: 1) maltreated children performed consistently below peers on grammar but not vocabulary assessments, 2) disproportionate use of vocabulary assessments, 3) considerable variability on participant characteristics and limited multidimensional measurement of maltreatment exposure, and 4) only nine studies analyzed the relationship between a maltreatment dimension (e.g., type, severity) and language. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this review, we propose three calls to action: 1) more language acquisition research in the child maltreatment field, 2) specificity when constructing samples with maltreated children, and 3) comprehensive and multidimensional maltreatment measurement. Implications for education were examined.

Early child maltreatment and reading processes, abilities, and achievement: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Children with maltreatment histories demonstrate weaker reading abilities compared to their peers. However, the differential processes driving this effect remain unclear. Prior studies focused on social and behavioral factors explaining this effect, yet reading research has shown that one's ability to comprehend written text is driven by a set of underlying dynamic and interactive cognitive abilities. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review sought to understand what theoretical or conceptual frameworks researchers cited as guiding their studies, what reading processes and abilities were studied as outcomes, how reading processes or abilities were measured, and what constructs were included to help understand the relationship between maltreatment and reading. METHOD: Three databases were searched for empirical peer-reviewed journal articles. Articles retained using inclusion and exclusion criteria were coded based on their sample characteristics, reference to theoretical or conceptual frameworks, reading processes and abilities measured, and included predictors of reading. Procedures were documented using the reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement (Moher et al., 2009). RESULTS: Twenty-seven studies were included in the final systematic review. Those that discussed theoretical or conceptual frameworks focused on the social and behavioral predictors of reading. Many studies (51.9 %) examined effects of maltreatment on reading achievement, rather than specific reading processes or abilities. Most studies (92.6 %) used at least one standardized reading measure. However, only four studies included cognitive abilities as potential predictor variables. CONCLUSIONS: Future research could benefit from investigating specific cognitive and reading-related processes, using measures to examine specific reading processes leading to breakdowns in reading achievement, and incorporation of reading theories to drive research questions and methods.