Citation

Lovell ML, Hawkins JD. Child. Youth Serv. Rev. 1988; 10(3): 175-188.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1988, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/0190-7409(88)90001-1

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This paper reports the results of a treatment study of abusive mothers to determine (a) the constitution of the mothers' networks, (b) the amount of social support perceived by mothers from members of their networks, and (c) the extent of change in the networks over time associated with intervention seeking to increase social support. The research was conducted with mothers whose children were attending a privately operated therapeutic day care designed for maltreated preschool-aged children. Mothers met one-half day per week. Transportation was provided by the agency. The curriculum covered a 26-week period. Participants were interviewed at Time 1 and again at six months to collect information on their personal social networks. Mothers' networks were characterized by a high proportion of family and professionals, a lack of reciprocity, and a lack of support with child care. Attendance in the program was associated with a tendency towards an increase in the proportion of professionals in their social networks as opposed to other group members. The implication of these findings for future interventive efforts is discussed.