Abstract
This chapter highlights evidence-based interventions for prevention of the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. We begin with a brief summary of the deleterious effects of early maltreatment on attachment to caregiver(s), and the long-term sequelae that may contribute to the intergenerational transmission of abuse and neglect. The utility of a developmental psychopathology perspective for understanding the lifelong consequences of maltreatment and designing preventive interventions for children and caregivers is then discussed. Next, we present research conducted at the Mt. Hope Family Center/University of Rochester to illustrate the efficacy of relational interventions for the treatment and prevention of child maltreatment. Preliminary results from a translational model of research are also summarized to emphasize the importance of dissemination and implementation of evidence-based interventions in community settings. The chapter concludes with implications for public policy and recommendations for future research.
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Acknowledgements
Work reported herein was supported by grants from NIMH (MH067792 and MH54643) and funding from the United Way of Greater Rochester and the Monroe County Department of Human Services. We thank our colleagues, Dante Cicchetti, Fred Rogosch, and Jody Todd Manly, as well as the numerous therapists, research assistants and graduate students who were involved with the conduct and evaluation of these interventions. We also thank the families who have participated in these interventions.
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Guild, D.J., Alto, M.E., Toth, S.L. (2017). Preventing the Intergenerational Transmission of Child Maltreatment Through Relational Interventions. In: Teti, D. (eds) Parenting and Family Processes in Child Maltreatment and Intervention. Child Maltreatment Solutions Network. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40920-7_8
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