Abstract
This study explored the emotional and behavioral profiles of 41 neglected children, ages 6 to 12 years, who were compared with a control group of 41 children. The Achenbach System was used in order to describe emotional and behavioral profiles based on the Diagnostic Criteria of the DSM-IV [Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed.]). Neglected children had more symptoms on DSM-IV Scales related to conduct or attention/hyperactivity problems. Based on the perceptions of teachers, children exposed to neglect showed more externalized and internalized problems as well as symptoms on DSM-IV Scales. Results supported the relevance of using the Diagnostic Criteria of the DSM-IV and the importance of getting the different perceptions of respondents to better understand the emotional and behavioral portrait of neglected children.
Acknowledgments
Funding for this study was provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The authors would like to thank the Mauricie-Centre-du-Quebec Child Protection Services (Mauricie, Québec, Canada) particularly Daniel Gagnon and Martin Dionne, who facilitated the recruitment of subjects. The authors would also like to thank the personnel at the schools of the Commission Scolaire Chemin-du-Roy (Mauricie, Québec, Canada). They would also like to thank Véronique Parent, Andrée-Anne Durocher, Mylène Henry, Isabelle Frigon, Marie-France Gobeil, and Louise Bourassa who made an invaluable contribution to this study.