An examination of the characteristics of mothers neglecting their children.

BACKGROUND: This study is aimed to recognize families who have neglected their children in the early period, to raise awareness among experts especially pediatricians-working in this field about the reasons contributing to the neglect. METHODS: For this purpose, data were collected by quantitative and qualitative methods. The mothers of 32 neglected children and 30 children who were not neglected were included in to the study. Sociodemographic Information Form, Neglect Assessment Tool, Close Relationships Inventory, Perceived Social Support Scale, Marital Adjustment Scale, Childhood Trauma Survey Scale, Semi Structured Interview Form, SCID I and SCID II were used as data collection tools. T-test, ANOVA, Chi-square test, Kruskal Wallis, Pearson Correlation test were used for quantitative analysis and descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of qualitative data. RESULTS: In the quantitative findings obtained; mothers of neglected children and control group mothers differed in terms of their age, income perceptions, multidimensional perceived social support, marital adjustment, physical and emotional abuse subscales on the scale of childhood abuse, adult attachment patterns, however; it was found that there was no difference in terms of mental illness and personality disorder, and scores on sexual abuse subscale of child abuse. Qualitative results demonstrated that most of the mothers did not consider themselves adequate for parenting, were not satisfied with their parenting role, had insufficient emotional investment in their children and could not balance their roles. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that the mothers of neglected children had problems in the areas of social support, marital adjustment, adult attachment patterns and they were also exposed to physical and emotional abuse during their own childhood and these problems negatively affected the quality of their childcare. For this reason, it is important to provide support to neglectful families and family interventions should be established.

[Relationship between the Psychiatric Symptoms in Expecting Parents and Postpartum Depression and Infantile Colic: A Multicenter Follow up Study]. / Anne ve Baba Adaylarinda Psikiyatrik Belirtiler ile Dogum Sonrasi Depresyon ve Infantil Kolik Arasi Iliski: Çok Merkezli Bir Takip Çalismasi.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between postpartum depression (PPD), infantile colic (IC) and different psychosocial variables, psychiatric symptoms, attachment style and perceived social support in expecting parents. METHOD: Two hundred forty five expecting mothers and 150 expecting fathers were first interviewed between the 22-34 weeks of pregnancy. Sociodemografic data form, Adult Attachment Style Scale (AASS), State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) were filled out by each expecting parent. Second interview was conducted between the postpartum 4-24 weeks. Data form consisting health, nutrition, sleep and crying problems of the infant and EPDS and SAI were filled out by mothers and SAI by fathers. RESULTS: One in every four mothers had PPD symptoms above the threshold on EPDS. Maternal and paternal insecure attachment style, maternal psychiatric symptoms and postpartum anxiety level were found to be the predictors of PPD. One in every five infants had IC and maternal education level, hostility score and PPD symptoms along with paternal insecure attachment style and psychiatric symptoms were the main predictors of IC. CONCLUSION: Results about PPD and IC regarding maternal variables are consistent with the literature. In addition, paternal insecure attachment style is found to be an important risk factor for both PPD and IC. Fathers should also be included in further studies exploring PPD or IC.

Identity status and attachment in adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Identity and attachment are two concepts of different theories that might be related and that are developmentally very important in adolescence. The aim of this study was to explore the sense of identity, attachment styles and their relation in a group of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Thirty-four adolescents who were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood were reevaluated at the age of 13-16 years. The comparison group consisted of age- and gender-matched adolescents without a psychiatric disorder. The Sense of Identity Assessment Form (SIAF) and the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ) were used to examine the sense of identity and attachment styles of adolescents, respectively. Compared to adolescents without a psychiatric disorder, adolescents with ADHD, independent of the presence of a comorbid psychiatric disorder, had a similar identity formation process; however, adolescents with ADHD and a comorbid psychiatric disorder experienced more preoccupied attachment styles. Comorbid psychiatric disorders seem to be related to the insecure attachment patterns in adolescents with ADHD.

Establishment of interdisciplinary child protection teams in Turkey 2002-2006: identifying the strongest link can make a difference!

OBJECTIVES: The University of Iowa Child Protection Program collaborated with Turkish professionals to develop a training program on child abuse and neglect during 2002-2006 with the goals of increasing professional awareness and number of multidisciplinary teams (MDT), regional collaborations, and assessed cases. This paper summarizes the 5-year outcome. METHODS: A team of instructors evaluated needs and held training activities in Turkey annually, and provided consultation when needed. Descriptive analysis was done via Excel and SPSS software. RESULTS: Eighteen training activities were held with 3,570 attendees. Over the study period, the number of MDTs increased from 4 to 14. The MDTs got involved in organizing training activities in their institutions and communities. The number of medical curriculum lectures taught by MDTs to medical students/residents, conferences organized by the MDTs, and lectures to non-medical professional audiences increased significantly (R(2)=91.4%, 83.8%, and 69.2%, respectively). The number of abuse cases assessed by the MDTs increased by five times compared to pre-training period. CONCLUSIONS: A culturally competent training program had a positive impact on professional attitudes and behaviors toward recognition and management of child abuse and neglect in Turkey. The need to partner with policy makers to revise current law in favor of a greater human services orientation became clear. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pioneers in developing countries may benefit from collaborating with culturally competent instructors from countries with more developed child protection systems to develop training programs so that professional development can improve recognition and management of child abuse and neglect.