Predicting child abuse potential from the MMPI-2-RF higher order scales and the ASEBA within a sample of care givers referred for evaluation

WCU Author/Contributor (non-WCU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Valerie Joyce Russell (Creator)
Institution
Western Carolina University (WCU )
Web Site: http://library.wcu.edu/
Advisor
Kia Asberg

Abstract: The purpose of the current study is to examine the association between the higher-order scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory, Second Edition, Restructured Form (MMPI-2-RF) and the DSM-oriented scales of the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment (ASEBA), Adult Self-Report with physical child abuse potential, as measured by the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAP). Abuse and neglect has been shown to have serious and long-lasting negative effects on children’s mental health. Current research has identified a variety of predictors of child abuse potential. However, no previous studies could be found that have examined the correlation between scores on the MMPI-2-RF and the ASEBA with child abuse potential. The participants were 177 parents and caregivers who were court-ordered by the Georgia Division of Family and Children Services to receive a psychiatric evaluation in north Atlanta. Results show that males and females significantly differed on several of the predictor variables, and CAP scores were significantly correlated with all of the variables except the Drug and Alcohol Use Scales. The results of a multiple regression analysis indicate that the overall model did significantly predict CAP score [F(10,61) = 27.50, p < .001] with an R2 of .844. However, only Depressive Problems (Beta = .300, p < .05) and Emotional/Internalizing Dysfunction (Beta = .620, p < .001) were significantly predictive of child abuse potential. Findings of this study suggest that depression and other emotional disorders could be used as a “red flag” when assessing child abuse potential. In addition, it may be that internalizing disorders such as depression may be more predictive of child abuse potential than externalizing disorders (e.g., substance use).

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
Language: English
Date: 2012
Keywords
ASEBA, child abuse potential, child maltreatment, depression, internalizing, MMPI-2-RF
Subjects
Abusive parents -- Psychology
Child abuse -- Psychological aspects

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