NCJ Number
117011
Date Published
1988
Length
9 pages
Annotation
Multimodal assessments of cognitive and behavioral functioning were undertaken in a sample of 42 New York children with a previous history of physical abuse, serious neglect, or no prior history of child maltreatment.
Abstract
The groups of 14 children each were matched on demographic and socioeconomic variables. In addition to standardized tests of cognitive abilities and behavioral observations in the classroom, both the parents and the teachers rated the children on measures of aggressiveness, social maturity, and learning readiness. Results show that the abused and neglected children had lower scores on all measures relative to those of matched controls. The behavioral observation data, however, were more complex. Differences among groups depended on the behavior observed. Neglected children engaged in the fewest interactions with other children, and abused children exhibited the most aggression. Both parents and teachers rated the maltreated children as more aggressive, less mature, and less ready to learn. Results indicate that maltreated children display significant cognitive and social deficits and may be at risk for psychological maladjustment. 5 tables, 2 notes, and 16 references. (Author abstract modified)