Affiliations: [a] Department of Social Work and Human Services, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand | [b] School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia | [c] Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Audrey McKinlay, School of Psychology and Psychiatry, Monash University, Building 17, Clayton Campus, VIC 3800, Australia.
Tel.: +61 488 022 925; E-mail: [email protected]
Abstract: Background:There is little information regarding the impact that traumatic brain injury (TBI) has on the functioning of mothers at risk of child abuse. Objective:This study evaluated adult functioning (e.g. child abuse, substance use, criminal convictions, and mental health problems) of mothers, at high risk for child abuse, who also had a history of TBI compared with those without TBI. It was hypothesised that mothers with a history of TBI would engage in higher rates of dysfunctional behaviour compared to those with no history of TBI. Method:Participants were 206 women engaged in a child abuse prevention programme for mothers who are highly socially disadvantaged, and at high risk for child abuse. Using historical data collected as part of the referral, and self report intake process, this study compared child abuse, mental health problems (depression, anxiety, substance use) and rates of criminal offending for mothers with a history of TBI versus those with no history of TBI. Results:Mothers with TBI were no more likely than those without TBI to have engaged in child abuse. However, mothers with a history of TBI were significantly more likely to have one or more mental health problems, engage in substance use and have a history of criminal offending. Conclusions:Parents with TBI who have been identified as high risk for engaging in child abuse have increased risk for mental health problems and criminal offending. These issues need to be considered when designing parenting programmes in order for intervention strategies to be effective.
