Unrealistic expectations and problem-solving ability in maltreating and comparison mothers.

Abstract

It has been suggested that maltreating parents display two forms of cognitive deficits that relate to their child's maltreatment. These are of their children's behavior and poor problem-solving ability in childrearing situations. This study documents the existence of these two deficits in a sample of maltreating versus comparison mothers. Using two measures of and a problem-solving inventory, we explored differences between two types of maltreating mothers (abuse vs. neglect). Results indicated that both groups of maltreating mothers showed significantly greater unrealistic; and poorer problemsolving skills than did the comparison mothers. No differences were found between abusing and neglectful mothers. Implications for treatment, as well as difficulties in operationaliz ing the concept of unrealistic are discussed. Behaviorally oriented researchers have suggested that child maltreatment may be the result of parental cognitive and behavioral dysfunctions. Although there is some evidence that behavioral differences exist between maltreating and nonmaltreating parents (Burgess & Conger, 1978), the existence of cognitive problems has not been well documented. One area of cognitive dysfunction that has been suggested to play an important role in child abuse is that maltreating parents have of their child's behavior (i.e., they overestimate their child's capabilities; Steele & Pollock, 1968). When the child fails to meet these inappropriate expectations, the parent becomes frustrated and aggressive against the child or neglects the child's needs. Two recent studies attempting to substantiate the existence of dysfunctional have either failed (Starr, 1980) or shown errors in both over- and underestimating children's capabilities (Twentyman & Plotkin, 1982). It must be noted, however, that both these studies chose to operationaliz e unrealistic expectations by assessing parents' knowledge of developmental milestones. This