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Dataset Details

Family Structure and Functioning in Neglectful Families, 1991-1993

Dataset Number: 66


Investigator(s)

Gaudin, J. M. & Polansky, N.A.

Abstract

This study identifies differences in family structure and functioning between neglectful and similarly situated (low income) non-neglectful families. The study specifically looks at:

  1. the relationship between family coping skills (e.g., problem solving, conflict resolution, communication, emotional expressiveness, cohesion, leadership, use of power, negotiation) and adequacy of parenting,
  2. the relationship between drug and alcohol abuse and neglectful parenting
  3. the role that men play in neglectful and non-neglectful families.

The investigator also looked at the effects of race, chronicity of neglect, and personality factors. Study participants were recruited from the Georgia Department of Family and Children's Services by caseworkers who found them to meet NIS-2 definitions of neglect, were verified as neglectful upon investigation, and had at least one child between the ages of 5 and 18 living at home. Similarly situated families who had not been reported for neglect or abuse were selected from those same counties for a matched control group. Data collection efforts involved: caseworker interviews, home administered questionnaires, home interviews of 103 neglect and 102 control families, in-home videotaped interactions of 92 neglect and 95 control families, and follow-up interviews in some cases.

Bibliographic Citation

Gaudin, J., & Polansky, N. (1994). Family Structure and Functioning in Neglectful Families, 1991-1993 [Dataset]. National Data Archive on Child Abuse and Neglect. https://doi.org/10.34681/MP5J-SP45

Data Documentation

Publications from this Dataset