Life development for 20 pairs of children with and without psychosocial problems--a 16-year-long study with follow-up.

The objective of the study was to describe 20 matched pairs of children born to psychosocial risk mothers who have been followed from early pregnancy through their first 16 years of life. Interviews and standardized behavior measurements with a focus on the children's development were used. When considering the overall data from the different measurements done over the 16-year study period, the study group has significantly more negative results. Nine of the families in the study group had been investigated for abuse, neglect and inadequate parenting during the 16 years. In the rest of the 11 families from the study group, two siblings had been placed in foster care because of maltreatment. The study group mothers' characteristics from the start had a significantly negative impact on the children's behavior and mental health throughout their lives and when they reached 16 years.