Sociodemographic characteristics of Turkish parents in relation to their recognition of emotional maltreatment.

OBJECTIVES

To develop an instrument which could assess the extent to which emotionally maltreating parental behavior was recognized by Turkish parents (Study 1) and to evaluate a group of parental and family characteristics that were related with their recognition of emotional maltreatment (Study 2).

METHODS

Self-administered instruments were used in both studies. In Study 1, a representative sample consisting of a total of 498 parents of children attending public and private preschools, elementary, and high schools in Ankara, were recruited. A 21-item Recognition of Emotional Maltreatment Scale (REMS) was developed. In addition to exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed and convergent validity was examined by utilizing the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (CAPI) and the Parental Acceptance Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ). Its test-retest reliability and internal consistency were also investigated. In Study 2, a total of 296 parents who were various public and private sector office workers and maintenance employees were recruited. Parents completed a socio-demographic form and the REMS.

RESULTS

In Study 1, exploratory factor analyses revealed four factors. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the four-factor model met the criteria standards for adequacy of fit. A moderate correlation of the REMS with CAPI and PARQ (r=.40 and .44, respectively) supported its convergent validity. Its test-retest stability was .73 and internal consistency was .70. In Study 2, a three-way analysis of variance showed that gender of the parent, family income and parent education were significant. Correlation analyses showed that there were significant negative correlations of mean REMS scores with parental age (r=-.27; p<.0001) and positive correlations with number of children in the family (r=.20; p<.007). Mothers who were housewives had higher mean REMS scores than employed mothers.

CONCLUSIONS

The REMS had acceptable validity and reliability properties. Fathers, parents with lower income and lower education levels showed lesser recognition of child emotional maltreatment. Maternal unemployment, younger parent age and more children in the family were related with lower levels of recognition.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

This is the initial effort in developing an instrument that may guide professionals in the selection and assessment of at-risk parent groups which need educational programs regarding child emotional maltreatment.