ARCHIVED - Distinguishing Between Poor/Dysfunctional Parenting and Child Emotional Maltreatment

David A. Wolfe, Ph.D.
Caroline McIsaac, Ph.D.
CAMH Centre for Prevention Science

Table of Contents

• Acknowledgements
• Abstract
• Executive Summary
• Introduction
• Childrearing Methods
  • Positive Methods
  • Poor Methods
  • Emotionally Abusive or Neglectful Methods
• Risk Factors for Child Emotional Maltreatment
  • Parent Characteristics
  • Child, Family, and Situational Influences
  • Cultural, Socialization and Situational Considerations
  • Impact on Child Development
• Distinguishing Between Poor/Dysfunctional Parenting and Emotional Maltreatment
  • Empirical and Conceptual Similarities
  • Empirical and Conceptual Distinctions
    • Benefits of a Continuum Model
    • Benefits of a Categorical Model
• Conclusions and Recommendations
  • Adopt a Categorical Definition of Child Emotional Maltreatment
  • Adopt a Continuum Approach to Defining Poor Parenting
  • Address Gaps in Training
  • Expand Public Health Strategies to Promote Healthy, Positive Parenting
  • Adopt a Children'S Rights Approach to Child Protection and Public Health Education
  • Address Gaps in Research and Evidence-Based Interventions
• References
• Appendix 1
  • Continuum of Parental Emotional Sensitivity and Expression
• Appendix 2
  • Diagnostic Criteria for Parenting Problem
• Appendix 3
  • Criteria for More Than Inconsequential Fear Reaction
  • Criteria for More Than Inconsequential Physical Injury
• Appendix 4
  • Diagnostic Criteria for Child Emotional Abuse