Disrupting Intergenerational Maternal Maltreatment in Middle Childhood

Therapeutic Objectives and Clinical Translation

Datos Bibliográficos

ID15520060
AutoresJackie Amos (University of South Australia), Leonie Segal (0000-0002-6391-6791, University of South Australia, autor de correspondencia)
Año2018
Volumen9
Páginas623-623
Fecha de publicación2018-11-27
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaFrontiers in Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 1664-0640 • E-ISSN: 1664-0640
EditorialFrontiers Media (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00623
PMID30538646
OpenAlexW2903122015
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas2
Referencias citadas41

Background: Child Maltreatment is a concerning worldwide problem. The population of distressed mothers with their highly disturbed children, in middle-childhood, often present to child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS). Finding effective therapies for this population has proved elusive. This led the authors to undertake a theory-driven research program to better understand intergenerational child maltreatment from a clinical perspective, in order to determine how best to treat the entrenched distressing and destructive behaviors. Methods: The model describing the mechanisms of the intergenerational transmission of maternal maltreatment is briefly described, from which the objectives of any effective treatment for these mothers and children are derived. A clinical model for achieving the therapeutic objectives is then elucidated. Findings: Core objectives of therapy are; first to support the mother and child to develop differentiated senses of self and, second to disrupt a relationship style built on a competitive dominance and submission hierarchy, replacing it with a hedonic (cooperative and compassionate relationship style). This requires a deep healing of the mother and child's trauma histories. A clinical operationalization of these objectives, through a novel dyadic psychotherapeutic protocol, Parallel Parent and Child Therapy is described, which addresses the therapeutic objectives while attending to the safety of mother and child. Interpretation: This research contributes to a better understanding of the components of effective treatment in what is a notoriously hard to treat population. It also illustrates the value of clinically informed theory development in understanding and refining treatment strategies for highly distressed and distressing populations

Child abuse · Developmental psychology · Mental health · Operationalization · Poison control · Population · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Suicide prevention · Child Abuse and Trauma · Child and Adolescent Psychosocial and Emotional Development · Clinical Psychology · Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum · Medicine · Psychology