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Published in: Journal of Family Violence 4/2023

08-04-2022 | Child Maltreatment | Original Article

Parenting and Mental Health needs of Young, Maltreated parents: implications for Prevention of intergenerational child maltreatment

Authors: Elizabeth M. Aparicio, Amara Channell Doig, Michelle Jasczynski, Jennifer L. Robinson, Maisha Huq, Jee Hun Yoo, Emily Hillig, Kaitlyn Lee, Allison Berkowitz, Kate Guastaferro, Gary Jones, Chloe Bernardi

Published in: Journal of Family Violence | Issue 4/2023

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Abstract

Purpose

Children of young parents are at elevated risk for child abuse and neglect due to myriad challenges. Despite the dual need for parenting support and mental health support, most literature and programs separate these and do not address maltreated parenting youths’ intergenerational context. The current study explores parenting and mental health needs as intertwined, uplifting experiences of young adult mothers with child maltreatment histories, professionals serving them, and mothers’ own caregivers.

Method

Through a community-engaged research process, this grounded theory study was co-conceptualized and conducted through a university-community-based organization partnership. We conducted in-depth interviews with 23 participants: nine young, maltreated mothers aged 18–25 (M = 20.9) years, 14 professionals and two caregivers. Data were collected in the community and analyzed using grounded theory methods. We transcribed each interview and analyzed the transcripts using a structured process of open, focus, axial, and selective/theoretical coding. Rigor was enhanced through several strategies including reflexivity and member checking.

Results

Grounded theory analysis produced a detailed model of the process of accessing and receiving mental health and parenting support among young, maltreated mothers, including (1) Reckoning with the Impact of Childhood and Adolescent Trauma on Mental Health and Parenting; (2) Reaching Out; (3) Receiving Parenting Support; (4) Receiving Mental Health Support; and (5) Seeking a Change.

Conclusions

Findings support a comprehensive approach for supporting young parents in improving the trajectories of their families through integrated approaches to parenting and mental health intervention.
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Metadata
Title
Parenting and Mental Health needs of Young, Maltreated parents: implications for Prevention of intergenerational child maltreatment
Authors
Elizabeth M. Aparicio
Amara Channell Doig
Michelle Jasczynski
Jennifer L. Robinson
Maisha Huq
Jee Hun Yoo
Emily Hillig
Kaitlyn Lee
Allison Berkowitz
Kate Guastaferro
Gary Jones
Chloe Bernardi
Publication date
08-04-2022
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Family Violence / Issue 4/2023
Print ISSN: 0885-7482
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2851
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-022-00387-5

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