Re: A Call For Theories

["Ana M. Sierra" <anams@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Good references! I would refer you to the general attachment literature.
Crittenden and Cicchetti are great starts, particularly in the area of
child maltreatment. Crittenden also has a pertinent chapter in a book
entitled: The Clinical Implications of Attachment. 

APSAC, the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, has a
web site. They are based in Chicago and, I'm certain, you can access more
references regarding physical abuse, attachment theory, and related studies
from either of their publications.

Finally, I suggest that you look up Alicia Lieberman's work, a
clinical/developmental psychologist who has done a lot of work in the area
of emotional development  of young children, particularly children who are
at risk and many of whom have been abused. Beverly James, MSW published a
book last year, I believe it was, regarding attachment theory and children
who have been traumatized. 

Oops! One more, Jeffrey Haugard has done at least two excellent overviews
of the area, not specifically dealing with attachment issues. However, he
is sensitive to these issues since he was educated at UVA (like myself). 

One more, take a look at Eliana Gil's work. She is also
attachment-sensitive, as is William Friedrich, Ph.D. (he has served on
attachment work groups).

Good luck! And if you need more information or references, just ask!

Ana M. Sierra, Ph.D.

----------
> From: Donna Hixon <DHIXON@edinboro.edu>
> To: Child Maltreatment Researchers  
<CHILD-MALTREATMENT-RESEARCH-L@cornell.edu>
> Subject: Re: A Call For Theories
> Date: Monday, August 18, 1997 4:27 PM
> 
> > 
> > Hi everyone,
> > 	
> > I am a grad student "enjoying" the struggles of research. I am trying
to
> > locate a good psychological theory for my research which focuses on
some
> > psychological and behavioural effects of child physical abuse in 10-12
> > year olds. The subjects in my study are residents in children's homes.
I
> > have looked at several theories including social learning theory,
> > psychoanalysis, and behaviourism. However, none of these seem to
apply.I
> > need a thory that addresses the negative impact of these variables on
> > child physical abuse, with the additional impact of residential
> > institutionalization. Any assistance, will be greatly appreciated.
> > I know there are some skeptics who believe that you cannot place the
> > EFFECTS of child physical within some narrow theoretical paradigm, but
as
> > I continue to do my research I see a great need for this. 
> > 
> >
> You may want to take a look at the work of Patricia Crittenton.  her work
is
> based on attachment theory and may fit with the population you are
looking at.
> She has numerous publications.  A section of the book "Child
Maltreatment: 
> Theory and research on the causes and consequences of child abuse and
neglect"
> by Cicchetti and Carlson provides a good base, I think.  May give you
> an idea.
> 
> Donna Hixon, PhD
> Edinboro University of PA
> dhixon@edinboro.edu