Traumatic Brain Injury Among Mothers Identified as Having a High Risk of Child Maltreatment: A Pilot Study

• NCJ Number: 247947
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2014 Pages: 391-395
• Author(s): Audrey McKinlay; Cora van Vliet-Ruissen; Annabel Taylor
• Date Published: May 2014
• Length: 5 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs frequently and may result in deficits in concentration, fatigue, attention, aggression and emotion regulation; significantly impacting an individual's ability to function.

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs frequently and may result in deficits in concentration, fatigue, attention, aggression and emotion regulation; significantly impacting an individual's ability to function. This study examined reports of TBI among mothers identified as having high risk for child abuse/maltreatment. Participants were 206 Mothers referred to a child abuse prevention programme (The Family Help Trust, Christchurch, New Zealand) between 2003 and 2010 (n=206); TBI prevalence of 36.4 % (n=75). One-third had experienced multiple TBI (n=24), and 58.7 % (n=44) of those reporting TBI had experienced their first injury prior to age 16. TBI in at-risk mothers was more than three times the TBI found in community samples, with many injuries occurring in childhood. Given the increased prevalence of TBI among mothers at high risk of child abuse, there is a need for greater information regarding the long-term outcomes of TBI, particularly for vulnerable groups requiring assistance to manage life roles. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.