Parental Conceptions in the Definition of Child Neglect

Summary

Findings from a study that explored maternal conceptualizations of child neglect in a sample of 114 low-SES Chilean mothers are reported. Participants responded to an open-ended question about the definition of child neglect, and completed a self-report questionnaire of parental opinions regarding the adequacy of different child care situations (CCSQ. Klockner, 1994). Qualitative analyzes of maternal conceptualizations of child neglect were grouped into six categories based on the emphasis the definition placed on one of the following aspects of neglect: child's needs, parental omission, responsibility, known risk, causes, and developmental consequences for the child. Exploratory factor analysis of the CCSQ yielded three factors representing safety and sanitary conditions, supervision and discipline, and expression of affection in the interaction with the child. Findings are discussed in light of the available literature on the definition of neglect. Implications of current findings for the development of culturally informed definitions of child neglect for prevention, treatment, and research programs are discussed.