The Relationship between Mother’s Child Abuse Potential and Current Mental Health Symptoms: Implications for Screening and Referral
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2005
Keywords
Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Health Promotion, Mental Health Service, Child Abuse
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02287264
Abstract
This analysis examined data from mothers at 2 of the 9 sites participating in Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) national Women Co-occurring Disorders and Violence Study (WCDVS). According to previous literature, it was hypothesized that women in the WCDVS would be at high risk of perpetrating child abuse. This research examined mothers' potential for physical child abuse and assessed the association between child abuse potential, current mental health symptoms, alcohol and drug use severity, and trauma. Results revealed that participants had significant potential for child abuse. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that current mental health symptoms were the strongest predictor of mothers' scores on the Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory. This study highlights the important relationships between commonly used instruments across the mental health, substance, and child welfare fields and the potential dual use of these instruments. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Was this content written or created while at USF?
Yes
Citation / Publisher Attribution
The Journal of Behavioral Health Services & Research, v. 32, issue 2, p. 155–166
Scholar Commons Citation
Rinehart, Deborah J.; Becker, Marion RN/PhD; Buckley, Pamela R.; Dailey, Kathy; Reichardt, Charles S.; Graeber, Carla; VanDeMark, Nancy R.; and Brown, Ellen, "The Relationship between Mother’s Child Abuse Potential and Current Mental Health Symptoms: Implications for Screening and Referral" (2005). Mental Health Law & Policy Faculty Publications. 294.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/mhlp_facpub/294
