Showing papers in "American Journal of Orthopsychiatry in 1981"
TL;DR: It was found that the majority of divorced parents continued to interact with one another; those who interacted the most frequently were the supportive and cooperative coparents.
Abstract: Findings are reported from an empirical investigation of the relationship between divorced spouses one year following the divorce. Interviews covering a wide range of topics were conducted with 54 pairs of divorced parents. It was found that the majority continued to interact with one another; those who interacted the most frequently were the supportive and cooperative coparents.
392 citations
TL;DR: Findings suggest that both present and future behavior may be adversely affected by childhood exposure to domestic violence.
Abstract: This paper attempts to investigate the effects of wife-battering on children. Current behavior problems of the children are examined and potential long-term consequences are evaluated through retrospective examination of the abusive husband. Findings suggest that both present and future behavior may be adversely affected by childhood exposure to domestic violence.
250 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of children divided equally into groups according to their mothers' sexual object choice and within group by sex found gender development of the children was not identifiably different in the two groups.
Abstract: Forty children ages five to 12, divided equally into groups according to their mothers' sexual object choice and within group by sex, were assessed by a research team. Gender development of the children was not identifiably different in the two groups. Prevalence of disturbance among the children was not found to be a function of the mother's sexual object choice. Case material is used to illustrate the variety and complexity of the issues involved.
227 citations
TL;DR: In response to a questionnaire mailing, parents of mentally retarded children and social workers essentially agreed that such parents experience periodic crises during the child's development, rather than time-bound adjustment.
Abstract: In response to a questionnaire mailing, parents of mentally retarded children and social workers essentially agreed that such parents experience periodic crises during the child's development, rather than time-bound adjustment. Social workers tended to underestimate the impact on parents of later developmental periods. Clinical implications of the findings, which run counter to the prevalent professional view, are considered.
222 citations
163 citations
TL;DR: Children's play and activity interests as indices of sex-role behavior were compared for a sample of lesbian and heterosexual single mothers and their children and more striking than any differences were the similarities between the two groups of children on acquisition of sex -role behavior.
Abstract: Children's play and activity interests as indices of sex-role behavior were compared for a sample of lesbian and heterosexual single mothers and their children. More striking than any differences were the similarities between the two groups of children on acquisition of sex-role behavior and between the two groups of mothers on encouragement of sex-role behavior.
153 citations
TL;DR: The incidence of psychosocial problems of various kinds tends to be much higher in the inner cities than in areas of small towns or in rural communities, and the mechanisms likely to contribute to this difference are explored.
Abstract: The incidence of psychosocial problems of various kinds tends to be much higher in the inner cities than in areas of small towns or in rural communities. This paper explores the mechanisms likely to contribute to this difference, and considers the implications for mental health practitioners and policy makers.
150 citations
TL;DR: Differences among four outreach modes, in terms of impairment and efficiency of effort, are discussed in the context of a general survivors' reluctance to utilize mental health resources.
Abstract: Following a devastating fire at the Beverly Hills Supper Club, mental health professionals developed an outreach program to identify survivors at risk for long-term impairment and to offer preventive services. Differences among four outreach modes, in terms of impairment and efficiency of effort, are discussed in the context of a general survivors' reluctance to utilize mental health resources.
130 citations
TL;DR: The psychological experience of 32 children living in a joint-custody arrangement with their parents is examined, and findings suggest that joint custody is not a simple solution, and that the reaction of children is highly individual.
Abstract: The psychological experience of 32 children living in a joint-custody arrangement with their parents is examined. This report is part of a larger study, begun in 1978, of 24 families in which parents have shared child-rearing responsibilities and physical custody of their children following marital separation. Findings suggest that joint custody is not a simple solution, and that the reaction of children is highly individual. The need for further study is emphasized.
121 citations
TL;DR: This review of published research on children of Holocaust survivors focuses on new directions taken in clinical and experimental studies during the past decade.
Abstract: This review of published research on children of Holocaust survivors focuses on new directions taken in clinical and experimental studies during the past decade. Methodological problems persisting from earlier research are considered, and suggestions for future research strategies are offered.
120 citations
TL;DR: Although day care for very young children is not likely to result in serious emotional disturbance, it would be misleading to conclude that it is without risks or effects.
Abstract: Research evidence of the social and emotional sequelae of day care is reviewed. Although day care for very young children is not likely to result in serious emotional disturbance, it would be misleading to conclude that it is without risks or effects. Much depends on the quality of the day care, and on the age, characteristics, and family circumstances of the child. Areas in need of further study are identified, and some speculative policy implications are offered.
TL;DR: Outpatient evaluations of 144 children of divorce were coded for nature of emotional-behavioral problems and overall degree of psychological adjustment, and divorce timing was unrelated to overall level of adjustment, but was associated significantly with different constellations ofotional- behavioral difficulties.
Abstract: The literature on children of divorce presents three theories on the relationship between a child's age at divorce and subsequent adaptation. Outpatient evaluations of 144 children of divorce, ranging in age from seven to 17 years, were coded for nature of emotional-behavioral problems and overall degree of psychological adjustment. Divorce timing was unrelated to overall level of adjustment, but was associated significantly with different constellations of emotional-behavioral difficulties.
TL;DR: A two-track model, considering both affective attachment to the deceased and extent of personality change, is used in the present study to examine aspects of the maternal reaction to sudden infant death.
Abstract: Much remains to be learned about the long-term effects of adult bereavement. A two-track model, considering both affective attachment to the deceased and extent of personality change, is used in the present study to examine aspects of the maternal reaction to sudden infant death. It is suggested that this two-track perspective offers greater specificity in studying the nature and duration of the effects of loss.
TL;DR: Bhm's reactance theory and the Palo Alto brief therapy model offer guidelines for the use of strategies and tactics in apparent opposition to desired therapeutic goals in brief problems-focused therapy.
Abstract: Strategies and tactics in apparent opposition to desired therapeutic goals are discussed in the context of brief problems-focused therapy. Two types of paradoxical intervention are differentiated: in one, change follows from attempted compliance with a therapeutic directive; in the other, change follows from defiance. Brehm's reactance theory and the Palo Alto brief therapy model offer guidelines for the use of such strategies.
TL;DR: Interview data from an exploratory study of 18 gay fathers indicate that identity congruence evolves over time as these men participate in both the world of fathers and the World of gays.
Abstract: Interview data from an exploratory study of 18 gay fathers indicate that identity congruence evolves over time as these men participate in both the world of fathers and the world of gays. Disclosure of each identity in the opposite world, and the acceptance of both identities by intimate others, are also crucial to the gay father's achievement of self-acceptance.
TL;DR: In this prospective, longitudinal study, prematurity and other indices of "bonding failure" did not occur with greater frequency among a subsample of mothers who mistreated their children than among a similar subgroup providing adequate care.
Abstract: Among a group of "high-risk" mothers, limited contact with the newborn at birth was not related to later disorders of mothering. In this prospective, longitudinal study, prematurity and other indices of "bonding failure" did not occur with greater frequency among a subsample of mothers who mistreated their children than among a similar subgroup providing adequate care.
TL;DR: Significant differences were found between groups in incidence and age of onset of attachment, and in specific behavior associated with use of the objects, in two pediatric populations differing in race and socioeconomic status.
Abstract: The incidence of transitional objects was studied in 285 children in two pediatric populations differing in race and socioeconomic status. Significant differences were found between groups in incidence and age of onset of attachment, and in specific behavior associated with use of the objects. Child-rearing practices and maternal attitudes were also related to development of attachments. Theoretical implications and directions for continued study are considered.
TL;DR: A new caretaker questionnaire for assessment of NYLS temperament characteristics in one-to-three-year-olds, part of a series of such instruments, is described.
Abstract: A new caretaker questionnaire for assessment of NYLS temperament characteristics in one-to-three-year-olds, part of a series of such instruments, is described. A study of stability of individual differences from early infancy to one-to-three years found significant correlations on all dimensions. Maternal general impressions, however, changed in several ways in the intervening time.
TL;DR: Level of Personal Integration yielded the strongest differentiation with respect to adequacy of maternal care, suggesting this as an area for exploration in interventions into mother-child disturbance.
Abstract: Personality and attitudinal variables were assessed prenatally and three months following the birth of the first child of 267 high-risk mothers. Four consistent factors emerged and, along with constructs rationally derived from sets of variables, were analyzed for discriminatory power. Level of Personal Integration yielded the strongest differentiation with respect to adequacy of maternal care, suggesting this as an area for exploration in interventions into mother-child disturbance.
TL;DR: An 18-year follow-up of 66 aggressive and disturbed adolescents admitted to the children's unit of a large mental hospital in 1960 reveals a high degree of antisocial and criminal behavior persisting into adulthood, with lessening psychiatric involvement as the subjects matured.
Abstract: An 18-year follow-up of 66 aggressive and disturbed adolescents admitted to the children's unit of a large mental hospital in 1960 reveals a high degree of antisocial and criminal behavior persisting into adulthood, with lessening psychiatric involvement as the subjects matured. Factors contributing to this pattern of continuing antisocial behavior are identified, and implications for treatment programs are considered.
TL;DR: Issues confronting the traditionally-trained psychotherapist who is working with a Puerto Rican population are considered, with a focus on the functional relationship of Puerto Rican espiritismo and mainstream psychotherapy.
Abstract: Issues confronting the traditionally-trained psychotherapist who is working with a Puerto Rican population are considered, with a focus on the functional relationship of Puerto Rican espiritismo and mainstream psychotherapy. An attempt is made to provide a therapeutic framework for the mental health clinician working within both cultural systems.
TL;DR: None exhibited fire-setting behavior while in residential treatment, but questions are raised about alternative treatments achieving the same result.
Abstract: Background and behavior of 90 children identified as fire-setters in a population of 544 referred for residential treatment is presented. None exhibited fire-setting behavior while in residential treatment, but questions are raised about alternative treatments achieving the same result. A current bibliography is provided.
TL;DR: In the wake of Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident, questionnaire and interview responses of children in elementary and secondary schools revealed their perceptions of the dangers entailed in the continued use of nuclear reactors.
Abstract: In the wake of Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident, questionnaire and interview responses of children in elementary and secondary schools revealed their perceptions of the dangers entailed in the continued use of nuclear reactors. Results are compared with a parallel study conducted close to 20 years ago, and implications for mental health are examined.
TL;DR: The nine NYLS temperament variables were studied in relation to gender, birth order, and social class among a sample of 160 children studied at six months, and at one and two years of age.
Abstract: The nine NYLS temperament variables were studied in relation to gender, birth order, and social class among a sample of 160 children studied at six months, and at one and two years of age. The factors studied did not appear to play a significant role in determining individual differences in temperament.
TL;DR: Current trends in developmental theory are examined in the light of the explosion of new knowledge and ideas in the past 25 years in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences.
Abstract: Current trends in developmental theory are examined in the light of the explosion of new knowledge and ideas in the past 25 years in the biological, behavioral, and social sciences. The findings of early childhood research and long-term longitudinal studies are emphasized. Old theories are reevaluated and new approaches suggested.
TL;DR: Social status among peers and problem-solving ability in social situations were found to be related even among emotionally disturbed preadolescents.
Abstract: The 19 most and 19 least popular boys in a residential treatment center were administered the Means-End Problem Solving Test. Social status among peers and problem-solving ability in social situations were found to be related even among emotionally disturbed preadolescents.
TL;DR: The workings of child sex initiation rings are outlined in a study of 36 prepubescent children involved in six such rings, and symptoms noted in the children prior to disclosure, and affective and cognitive response by parents upon disclosure are discussed.
Abstract: The workings of child sex initiation rings are outlined in a study of 36 prepubescent children involved in six such rings. Organizational factors include the adult capitalizing on a legitimate role in the children's lives and programming them to provide sexual services in exchange for psychological, social, monetary, and other rewards; operational factors include peer group pressures and secrecy. Symptoms noted in the children prior to disclosure, and affective and cognitive response by parents upon disclosure, are discussed.
TL;DR: Three groups of severely abused, emotionally disturbed children are described, one of which is made up of "private" children, who seem to share many of the characteristics of the adult narcissistic personality disorder.
Abstract: Three groups of severely abused, emotionally disturbed children are described, one of which is made up of "private" children, who seem to share many of the characteristics of the adult narcissistic personality disorder. These children appear pleasant and tractable, seem better adjusted, and are rarely referred for treatment; they are remarkably able to assess their environment and made predictions. However, they remain aloof, fear dependency, and are unable to form meaningful relationships. The therapy of one such child is described in detail.
TL;DR: The pattern and prevalence of drug use among adolescents is explored in a survey of 2131 high school students, suggesting that the use of drugs and alcohol by adolescents should be viewed as a complex phenomenon greatly influenced by psychosocial contexts.
Abstract: The pattern and prevalence of drug use among adolescents is explored in a survey of 2131 high school students. Findings suggest that the use of drugs and alcohol by adolescents should be viewed as a complex phenomenon greatly influenced by psychosocial contexts. The importance of preventive measures and of social psychiatric approaches is emphasized, with direct psychiatric care reserved for compulsive users in whom psychopathology is clearly manifested.
TL;DR: An organizational schema is presented and guidelines suggested for the clinical assessment of the possible clinical significance of psychological factors in childhood asthma.
Abstract: Psychological factors can enter into and affect the course of childhood asthma in a variety of ways. An organizational schema is presented and guidelines suggested for the clinical assessment of the possible clinical significance of these factors.