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Dissertation
Social problem solving skills in maltreating and comparison mothers
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
Dec 1997
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00008451
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship of problem-solving skills to child abuse. Problem-solving skill deficits related to parenting have been cited as a factor which can contribute to the development of physical abuse of children in the abuser. However, previous studies have limited their assessment of problem-solving ability to situations reflecting child rearing issues. This research was designed to substantiate previous findings and to extend past findings. This was accomplished by first, examining whether Maltreating mothers, as compared to Non-Maltreating mothers, demonstrate similar problem-solving deficits when confronted with social dilemmas involving adults. Specifically, the ability to generate alternative, relevant solutions was measured. Second, this research investigated whether Maltreating mothers differed from Non-Maltreating mothers in their general approach to solving problems. Specifically, problem-solving attitudes and the tendency to conceptualize problem-solving strategies were measured. The study involved a total of 37 maternal parents. Mothers belonged to one of two groups: (a) Maltreating (n = 18); or (b) Non-Maltreating (n = 19). The following problem-solving measures were used: Social Problem Solving Inventory; Parental Problem-Solving Measure; and the Alternative Solutions Adult Problem Stories. Results of one-tailed, Mann-Whitney U tests provided partial support for poorer problems-solving skills among Maltreating mothers, in comparison to Non-Maltreating mothers. Maltreating mothers tended to produce fewer solutions and were more likely to report use of solutions judged by raters to be less effective than those reported by Non-Maltreating mothers. The tendency to have an impulsive and careless problem-solving style was significantly greater among Maltreating mothers than among Non-Maltreating mothers.
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Details
- Title
- Social problem solving skills in maltreating and comparison mothers
- Creators
- Rosemarie Cataldo
- Contributors
- Myrna B. Shure (Advisor) - Drexel University, Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998)
- Awarding Institution
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Publisher
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- ix, 207 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Allegheny University of the Health Sciences (1996-1998); Clinical and Health Psychology [Historical]; School of Health Professions (1996-1998)
- Other Identifier
- 991021888912904721