Adrian Rus | Southwestern Christian University (original) (raw)
Papers by Adrian Rus
Child Maltreatment in Residential Care
Readers of this summary chapter of the book will find that while there are many reasons that chil... more Readers of this summary chapter of the book will find that while there are many reasons that children are placed in institutions, with each institution having its own unique qualities and experiences, there are nevertheless many similarities among children’s experiences across institutions. This chapter identifies many of these similarities, as well as some differences, among institutional experiences across the globe, as gleaned from the information presented in the chapters of this book. In particular, we focus on maltreatment in institutions, including its consequences, prevention, intervention strategies, and alternative care settings. Among the many improvements to institutional care recommended by the authors in this book, most have generally agreed that institutional settings should abide by quality care standards tied to accreditation and accountability structures and that institutional settings should resemble family-type environments that provide children with stable, nurturing relationships with staff. In particular, themes discussed in this chapter are living conditions in institutions; outcomes from institutional rearing; standards, accreditation, and licensing; recommendations for interventions in institutions; the role of organizations and communities; institutional settings and environment; and suggestions for future research.
Child Maltreatment in Residential Care
This chapter serves as an introduction to the concept of maltreatment of children and provides a ... more This chapter serves as an introduction to the concept of maltreatment of children and provides a very brief overview of published research that has been pivotal in the development of defining and describing this concept. First, we provide an understanding of how maltreatment has been defined historically and how definitions have changed over time, leading to current definitions used by researchers and child welfare organizations. Maltreatment is also described within the context of trauma and sociocultural issues that are associated with it. We also provide a brief review of the consequences of various types of childhood maltreatment on biological, psychological, academic, and social functioning. Then, using mainly the World Health Organization definitions of maltreatment (i.e., neglect and negligent behavior; emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; as well as witnessing violence), we discuss forms of child victimization within the context of institutionalization, including types and factors that increase the risk of maltreatment in long-term residential institutions, and consequences on well-being.
![Research paper thumbnail of Revista de cercetare [i interven]ie social\ EFFECTS OF RATIONAL-EMOTIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY ON ROMANIAN FOSTER PARENTS' PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING AND THEIR PERCEIVED PARENTING Effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy on Romanian Foster Parents' Psychological Functioning and their Perceived Paren...](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/79733363/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (RE... more The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on Romanian foster parents' psychological functioning (emotional distress) and how this intervention affects their perceived parenting behavior within their family. The participants included 80 Romanian foster parents (78 female and 2 male) ranging in age from 28 to 59 years (M = 45.73 years, SD = 6.38) in one county. Participants in the present study were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: REBT group (or the experimental group) and Control group. REBT group received Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the Control group was given the standard training program on abuse and neglect that was taught within the Romanian child protection system. A pre-post design was used that included the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) as outcome measures. The results of the present study supported our hypothesis that professional...
Child Maltreatment in Residential Care
Currently, congregate or group care is seen in the United States as being a less desirable form o... more Currently, congregate or group care is seen in the United States as being a less desirable form of taking care of children and adolescents who have experienced maltreatment in their biological families or who live in struggling families. Among many other reasons, congregate care, especially long-term living arrangements, often deprives children of having the opportunity to develop a nurturing relationship with an attachment figure and experience parental control and authority in the context of the intrinsic need for autonomy. Furthermore, congregate care is not seen as a substitute for a home environment, and it could cause physical and psychological harm or increase the likelihood of problem behaviors. However, congregate care arrangements have been part of the childcare landscape prior to the 1800s. Currently, congregate care includes approved group homes that provide 24 h care in small group settings of 7–12 children or approved institutions which provide 24 h care and/or treatment typically for 12 or more children. Throughout the history of congregate care in the United States, basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter have not always been met adequately in these settings, and emotional and psychological needs have been met to a lesser degree.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the self-reported academic perf... more The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the self-reported academic performance of Romanian institutionalized children placed in long-term residential centers in 1999 and multiple child- and institution-related variables considered to have an impact on children’s development and their everyday functioning.
The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (RE... more The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on Romanian foster parents’ psychological functioning (emotional distress) and how this intervention affects their perceived parenting behavior within their family. The participants included 80 Romanian foster parents (78 female and 2 male) ranging in age from 28 to 59 years (M = 45.73 years, SD = 6.38) in one county. Participants in the present study were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: REBT group (or the experimental group) and Control group. REBT group received Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the Control group was given the standard training program on abuse and neglect that was taught within the Romanian child protection system. A pre-post design was used that included the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) as outcome measures. The results of the present study supported our hypothesis that professional fos...
Revista De Cercetare Si Interventie Sociala, 2011
The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decad... more The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decades, impacting the type of care and developmental outcomes for Romanian orphans and foster children. Each distinct reform period within this twenty-year span can be identified by the laws and governmental reform measures enacted, the shift in child population among various Romanian institutions and foster care homes, types of institutions available to children, level of care, shift in reasons for child abandonment, changes in ways children are routed through the system, and how these changes have effect children’s development, health, and psychological well-being.
Social Change Review
The objective of the present study was to explore what demographic and socioeconomic factors were... more The objective of the present study was to explore what demographic and socioeconomic factors were associated with adolescent (younger than 20 years) and adult mothers living in Romania. In total, 274 adolescent and adult mothers were recruited from two maternity wards Romanian maternity wards. The mean age of the sample was 24.64 years (SD = 6.907, range: 13–44 years). Independent samples t-tests, Pearson’s chi square, Cramer’s V, and risk ratios were used to assess differences in continuous and categorical demographics variables between adolescent and adult mothers. This study has shown that maternity among adolescent mothers younger than 20 years has broad sociodemographic determinations, and, consequently, the socio-economic implications could be long-term as well as costly.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Introduction: First episode-psychosis (FEP) represents a stressful/traumatic event for patients. ... more Introduction: First episode-psychosis (FEP) represents a stressful/traumatic event for patients. To our knowledge, no study to date has investigated thought suppression involved in FEP in a Romanian population. Our objective was to investigate thought suppression occurring during FEP within primary psychotic disorders (PPD) and substance/medication induced psychotic disorders (SMIPD). Further, we examined the relationship between thought suppression and negative automatic thoughts within PPD and SMIPD. Methods: The study included 30 participants (17 females) with PPD and 25 participants (10 females) with SMIPD. Psychological scales were administered to assess psychotic symptoms and negative automatic thoughts, along a psychiatric clinical interview and a biochemical drug test. Results: Participants in the PPD group reported higher thought suppression compared to SMIPD group. For the PPD group, results showed a positive correlation between thought suppression and automatic thoughts. ...
Acta Medica Marisiensis
Objective: This study investigated whether differences exist in the structural personality dimens... more Objective: This study investigated whether differences exist in the structural personality dimensions and eighteen maladaptive cognitive schemas among in- and out-patients (Clinical Group) diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and people from the general population without any psychiatric diagnostic (Control Group).Methods: The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) sample (N = 100) included 35 (35%) men and 65 (65%) women, with a mean age of 36.4 years (SD = 10.86; age range 18-69). The control sample (N = 100), included 28 (28%) men and 72 (72%) women, with a mean age of 27.1 years (SD = 9.8; age range 19-60). Data were simultaneously analyzed with one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to measure the effect of group membership on personality dimensions and on dysfunctional cognitive schemas, controlling for participants' age. Next, univariate analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were done on each item with covariate-adjusted post-hoc comparisons.Results: Th...
In this study, we investigated the prevalence of abuse (i.e., punishments, exploitation, and sexu... more In this study, we investigated the prevalence of abuse (i.e., punishments, exploitation, and sexual abuse) experienced or witnessed by Romanian children placed in long-term residential centers in 1999. Data based on a nationally representative sample of 1511 (802 boys and 709 girls) children with ages between 7 and 19 years (M = 12.67; SD = 2.84) and living in 53 long-term residential centers was analyzed to identify the prevalence of abuse awareness and victimization.
Background: Anaemia is a public health problem that can lead to a variety of detrimental effects... more Background: Anaemia is a public health problem that can lead to a variety of detrimental effects on physical and neurodevelopment in young children. The present study explored the epidemiology of anaemia among infants in Romania, identified risk factors and created a model for
predicting it.
Methods: Data from 1532 infants aged 6–24 months were selected from a larger nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Demographic predictor variables and haemoglobin concentration were extant variables in the data set. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the best predictors of anaemia.
Results: Overall, 46% of 6–24 month olds in the sample had anaemia (Hb , 11.0 g/dl). Avariety of risk factors were associated with significantly greater odds of anaemia, but a five-factor model best predicted it (67.9% accuracy). These predictors included being male, living in a rural area, being third born or later, being a Hungarian and living in the South, South-West or West region of Romania.
Conclusions: While data indicate a modest decrease in anaemia from earlier Romanian studies, it remains a significant problem. Models like this one have the potential to improve identification and treatment of anaemia in young children.
The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (RE... more The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on Romanian foster parents’ psychological functioning (emotional distress) and how this intervention affects their perceived parenting behavior within their family.
The participants included 80 Romanian foster parents (78 female and 2 male) ranging in age from 28 to 59 years (M = 45.73 years, SD = 6.38) in one county. Participants in the present study were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: REBT group (or the experimental group) and Control group. REBT group received Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the Control group was given the standard training program on abuse and neglect that was taught within the Romanian child protection system. A pre-post design was used that included the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) as outcome measures.
The results of the present study supported our hypothesis that professional foster parents receiving REBT would show lower levels of emotional distress (anxiety, depression, and anger) and an increased use of improved parenting behaviors (involvement, positive parenting, poor monitoring/supervision, inconsistent discipline, corporal punishments, and other behaviors) compared with foster parents who received the standard training program, as showed by parents self-reported change scores.
The results of the present study highlight the usefulness of understanding the importance of professional foster parents receiving REBT.
The objective of this study was to determine whether children’s characteristics and/or institutio... more The objective of this study was to determine whether children’s characteristics and/or institutional characteristics were predictors of severe punishments (including beatings) and/or frequency of punishments that children received from staff in Romanian institutions. The data was hierarchical with institutionalized children (N = 1,391) nested within 44 institutions, and the measurement of punishments by the staff and frequency of punishments had a binary distribution. Thus, multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of individual and institutional level variables on reported punishments and to account for the clustering of the children within institutions. Two general patterns of results emerged. First, regarding individual level variables, it was found that: (1) amount of time spent by children in their current institutions had a significant effect on the probability of being punished by staff and the frequency of this punishment; (2) the probability of being punished was higher for boys than for girls; and (3) having no siblings in the institution increased the odds of being punished several times. Second, regarding institutional level variables: (4) being in placement centers for school-aged children with a traditional type of institutional organization increased the odds of severe punishment compared to a familial/mixed type. The results of the present study highlight the importance of understanding the consequences of institutionalization in a broader way, where children not only experienced early severe psychosocial deprivation as documented in other studies, but also high levels of severe punishments administered by institutional staff.
Child Abuse Review, Oct 25, 2014
This study compared the behaviours of previously institutionalised Romanian foster children (ages... more This study compared the behaviours of previously institutionalised Romanian foster children (ages 6–12) with normative data for non-referred children.
We hypothesised that foster children would have higher scores (more unfavourable outcomes) on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF) (all syndromes) than norms.
Results were mixed, showing that (a) boys and girls have Attention Problems with the TRF, but not the CBCL; (b) girls have fewer Internalising Problems than norms (CBCL and TRF); and (c) boys have more problems than norms for Attention, Inattention, Hyperactivity, Aggressive, Externalising, and Total Problems with the TRF; and more problems than norms on Social, Rule-Breaking, Externalising, and Total Problems with the CBCL, but fewer problems for Attention. In addition, many differences between Romanian foster children and norms were insignificant.
Sampling issues and norms, reporting differences between foster parents and teachers, individual differences, as well as the better than expected results for foster children when compared to norms may stem from a variety of causes that are discussed in this report.
How do harsh early environments affect children’s development? The answer to this question is com... more How do harsh early environments affect children’s development? The answer to this question is complex and difficult to determine for a variety of reasons. However, data obtained from the Romanian child-welfare system provided a new opportunity to approach this question. We examined the association between the pathways children followed leading to their placement in foster families and their behaviors. The four pathways identified were: (a) children placed directly from biological families into foster families, (b) children abandoned in nurseries before placement in foster families, (c) children abandoned in maternity wards before placement in foster families, and (d) children who resided in placement centers (formerly called orphanages) before placement in foster families. Overall, children in the Placement Center Pathway showed the most psychological and behavior problems, second was the Nursery Pathway, third was the Biological Family Pathway, and finally the Maternity Pathway had the least problems. It is important to note that it is not the intention of the present study to draw a definitive causal arrow between placement centers and later functioning. Data from the present study, and future studies of this type, will help policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers ascertain existing needs of these children so that future efforts to improve foster care may be directed to these areas.
Objective: The primary aim of this paper was to describe the degree to which Romanian women utili... more Objective: The primary aim of this paper was to describe the degree to which Romanian women utilize free prenatal care services and to describe the demographic profile of women who are at risk for underutilization.
Methods: Secondary data (n = 914) was taken from a large, nationally representative sample of Romanian mothers and children (N = 2117). Kotelchuck’s Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index was used to measure the adequacy of prenatal care.
Results: Seventy-eight percent of mothers underutilized prenatal care services. Those who underutilized to the greatest degree were likely to be young, members of an ethnic minority, poor, uneducated, and rural. Those who utilized care to the greatest degree were likely to be older, members of the ethnic majority, wealthy, educated, and city dwelling.
Conclusion: These findings illustrate the concerning magnitude of prenatal care underutilization in Romania, despite the fact that the risk factors for underutilization are similar to those found elsewhere in Europe and the developed world. Future studies should examine factors that contribute to high underutilization, whether underutilization corresponds to negative health outcomes, and whether targeted social interventions and outreach could help increase care utilization.
The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decad... more The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decades, impacting the type of care and developmental outcomes for Romanian orphans and foster children. Each distinct reform period within this twenty-year span can be identified by the laws and governmental reform measures enacted, the shift in child population among various Romanian institutions and foster care homes, types of institutions available to children, level of care, shift in reasons for child abandonment, changes in ways children are routed through the system, and how these changes have effect children’s development, health, and psychological well-being.
Bronfenbrenner's ecological model is well known in developmental psychology, and our intention is... more Bronfenbrenner's ecological model is well known in developmental psychology, and our intention is to extend it to Romanian children with a history of institutionalization. The experiences of these children are described following the four systems proposed by the famous author (i.e., microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem).
Child Maltreatment in Residential Care
Readers of this summary chapter of the book will find that while there are many reasons that chil... more Readers of this summary chapter of the book will find that while there are many reasons that children are placed in institutions, with each institution having its own unique qualities and experiences, there are nevertheless many similarities among children’s experiences across institutions. This chapter identifies many of these similarities, as well as some differences, among institutional experiences across the globe, as gleaned from the information presented in the chapters of this book. In particular, we focus on maltreatment in institutions, including its consequences, prevention, intervention strategies, and alternative care settings. Among the many improvements to institutional care recommended by the authors in this book, most have generally agreed that institutional settings should abide by quality care standards tied to accreditation and accountability structures and that institutional settings should resemble family-type environments that provide children with stable, nurturing relationships with staff. In particular, themes discussed in this chapter are living conditions in institutions; outcomes from institutional rearing; standards, accreditation, and licensing; recommendations for interventions in institutions; the role of organizations and communities; institutional settings and environment; and suggestions for future research.
Child Maltreatment in Residential Care
This chapter serves as an introduction to the concept of maltreatment of children and provides a ... more This chapter serves as an introduction to the concept of maltreatment of children and provides a very brief overview of published research that has been pivotal in the development of defining and describing this concept. First, we provide an understanding of how maltreatment has been defined historically and how definitions have changed over time, leading to current definitions used by researchers and child welfare organizations. Maltreatment is also described within the context of trauma and sociocultural issues that are associated with it. We also provide a brief review of the consequences of various types of childhood maltreatment on biological, psychological, academic, and social functioning. Then, using mainly the World Health Organization definitions of maltreatment (i.e., neglect and negligent behavior; emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; as well as witnessing violence), we discuss forms of child victimization within the context of institutionalization, including types and factors that increase the risk of maltreatment in long-term residential institutions, and consequences on well-being.
The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (RE... more The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on Romanian foster parents' psychological functioning (emotional distress) and how this intervention affects their perceived parenting behavior within their family. The participants included 80 Romanian foster parents (78 female and 2 male) ranging in age from 28 to 59 years (M = 45.73 years, SD = 6.38) in one county. Participants in the present study were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: REBT group (or the experimental group) and Control group. REBT group received Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the Control group was given the standard training program on abuse and neglect that was taught within the Romanian child protection system. A pre-post design was used that included the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) as outcome measures. The results of the present study supported our hypothesis that professional...
Child Maltreatment in Residential Care
Currently, congregate or group care is seen in the United States as being a less desirable form o... more Currently, congregate or group care is seen in the United States as being a less desirable form of taking care of children and adolescents who have experienced maltreatment in their biological families or who live in struggling families. Among many other reasons, congregate care, especially long-term living arrangements, often deprives children of having the opportunity to develop a nurturing relationship with an attachment figure and experience parental control and authority in the context of the intrinsic need for autonomy. Furthermore, congregate care is not seen as a substitute for a home environment, and it could cause physical and psychological harm or increase the likelihood of problem behaviors. However, congregate care arrangements have been part of the childcare landscape prior to the 1800s. Currently, congregate care includes approved group homes that provide 24 h care in small group settings of 7–12 children or approved institutions which provide 24 h care and/or treatment typically for 12 or more children. Throughout the history of congregate care in the United States, basic needs such as food, clothing, and shelter have not always been met adequately in these settings, and emotional and psychological needs have been met to a lesser degree.
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the self-reported academic perf... more The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the self-reported academic performance of Romanian institutionalized children placed in long-term residential centers in 1999 and multiple child- and institution-related variables considered to have an impact on children’s development and their everyday functioning.
The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (RE... more The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on Romanian foster parents’ psychological functioning (emotional distress) and how this intervention affects their perceived parenting behavior within their family. The participants included 80 Romanian foster parents (78 female and 2 male) ranging in age from 28 to 59 years (M = 45.73 years, SD = 6.38) in one county. Participants in the present study were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: REBT group (or the experimental group) and Control group. REBT group received Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the Control group was given the standard training program on abuse and neglect that was taught within the Romanian child protection system. A pre-post design was used that included the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) as outcome measures. The results of the present study supported our hypothesis that professional fos...
Revista De Cercetare Si Interventie Sociala, 2011
The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decad... more The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decades, impacting the type of care and developmental outcomes for Romanian orphans and foster children. Each distinct reform period within this twenty-year span can be identified by the laws and governmental reform measures enacted, the shift in child population among various Romanian institutions and foster care homes, types of institutions available to children, level of care, shift in reasons for child abandonment, changes in ways children are routed through the system, and how these changes have effect children’s development, health, and psychological well-being.
Social Change Review
The objective of the present study was to explore what demographic and socioeconomic factors were... more The objective of the present study was to explore what demographic and socioeconomic factors were associated with adolescent (younger than 20 years) and adult mothers living in Romania. In total, 274 adolescent and adult mothers were recruited from two maternity wards Romanian maternity wards. The mean age of the sample was 24.64 years (SD = 6.907, range: 13–44 years). Independent samples t-tests, Pearson’s chi square, Cramer’s V, and risk ratios were used to assess differences in continuous and categorical demographics variables between adolescent and adult mothers. This study has shown that maternity among adolescent mothers younger than 20 years has broad sociodemographic determinations, and, consequently, the socio-economic implications could be long-term as well as costly.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Introduction: First episode-psychosis (FEP) represents a stressful/traumatic event for patients. ... more Introduction: First episode-psychosis (FEP) represents a stressful/traumatic event for patients. To our knowledge, no study to date has investigated thought suppression involved in FEP in a Romanian population. Our objective was to investigate thought suppression occurring during FEP within primary psychotic disorders (PPD) and substance/medication induced psychotic disorders (SMIPD). Further, we examined the relationship between thought suppression and negative automatic thoughts within PPD and SMIPD. Methods: The study included 30 participants (17 females) with PPD and 25 participants (10 females) with SMIPD. Psychological scales were administered to assess psychotic symptoms and negative automatic thoughts, along a psychiatric clinical interview and a biochemical drug test. Results: Participants in the PPD group reported higher thought suppression compared to SMIPD group. For the PPD group, results showed a positive correlation between thought suppression and automatic thoughts. ...
Acta Medica Marisiensis
Objective: This study investigated whether differences exist in the structural personality dimens... more Objective: This study investigated whether differences exist in the structural personality dimensions and eighteen maladaptive cognitive schemas among in- and out-patients (Clinical Group) diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and people from the general population without any psychiatric diagnostic (Control Group).Methods: The Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) sample (N = 100) included 35 (35%) men and 65 (65%) women, with a mean age of 36.4 years (SD = 10.86; age range 18-69). The control sample (N = 100), included 28 (28%) men and 72 (72%) women, with a mean age of 27.1 years (SD = 9.8; age range 19-60). Data were simultaneously analyzed with one-way multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) to measure the effect of group membership on personality dimensions and on dysfunctional cognitive schemas, controlling for participants' age. Next, univariate analyses of covariance (ANCOVAs) were done on each item with covariate-adjusted post-hoc comparisons.Results: Th...
In this study, we investigated the prevalence of abuse (i.e., punishments, exploitation, and sexu... more In this study, we investigated the prevalence of abuse (i.e., punishments, exploitation, and sexual abuse) experienced or witnessed by Romanian children placed in long-term residential centers in 1999. Data based on a nationally representative sample of 1511 (802 boys and 709 girls) children with ages between 7 and 19 years (M = 12.67; SD = 2.84) and living in 53 long-term residential centers was analyzed to identify the prevalence of abuse awareness and victimization.
Background: Anaemia is a public health problem that can lead to a variety of detrimental effects... more Background: Anaemia is a public health problem that can lead to a variety of detrimental effects on physical and neurodevelopment in young children. The present study explored the epidemiology of anaemia among infants in Romania, identified risk factors and created a model for
predicting it.
Methods: Data from 1532 infants aged 6–24 months were selected from a larger nationally representative cross-sectional survey. Demographic predictor variables and haemoglobin concentration were extant variables in the data set. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine the best predictors of anaemia.
Results: Overall, 46% of 6–24 month olds in the sample had anaemia (Hb , 11.0 g/dl). Avariety of risk factors were associated with significantly greater odds of anaemia, but a five-factor model best predicted it (67.9% accuracy). These predictors included being male, living in a rural area, being third born or later, being a Hungarian and living in the South, South-West or West region of Romania.
Conclusions: While data indicate a modest decrease in anaemia from earlier Romanian studies, it remains a significant problem. Models like this one have the potential to improve identification and treatment of anaemia in young children.
The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (RE... more The primary aim of this study was to explore the effects of Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) intervention on Romanian foster parents’ psychological functioning (emotional distress) and how this intervention affects their perceived parenting behavior within their family.
The participants included 80 Romanian foster parents (78 female and 2 male) ranging in age from 28 to 59 years (M = 45.73 years, SD = 6.38) in one county. Participants in the present study were randomly assigned to one of two conditions: REBT group (or the experimental group) and Control group. REBT group received Rational-Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) and the Control group was given the standard training program on abuse and neglect that was taught within the Romanian child protection system. A pre-post design was used that included the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ) as outcome measures.
The results of the present study supported our hypothesis that professional foster parents receiving REBT would show lower levels of emotional distress (anxiety, depression, and anger) and an increased use of improved parenting behaviors (involvement, positive parenting, poor monitoring/supervision, inconsistent discipline, corporal punishments, and other behaviors) compared with foster parents who received the standard training program, as showed by parents self-reported change scores.
The results of the present study highlight the usefulness of understanding the importance of professional foster parents receiving REBT.
The objective of this study was to determine whether children’s characteristics and/or institutio... more The objective of this study was to determine whether children’s characteristics and/or institutional characteristics were predictors of severe punishments (including beatings) and/or frequency of punishments that children received from staff in Romanian institutions. The data was hierarchical with institutionalized children (N = 1,391) nested within 44 institutions, and the measurement of punishments by the staff and frequency of punishments had a binary distribution. Thus, multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine the effects of individual and institutional level variables on reported punishments and to account for the clustering of the children within institutions. Two general patterns of results emerged. First, regarding individual level variables, it was found that: (1) amount of time spent by children in their current institutions had a significant effect on the probability of being punished by staff and the frequency of this punishment; (2) the probability of being punished was higher for boys than for girls; and (3) having no siblings in the institution increased the odds of being punished several times. Second, regarding institutional level variables: (4) being in placement centers for school-aged children with a traditional type of institutional organization increased the odds of severe punishment compared to a familial/mixed type. The results of the present study highlight the importance of understanding the consequences of institutionalization in a broader way, where children not only experienced early severe psychosocial deprivation as documented in other studies, but also high levels of severe punishments administered by institutional staff.
Child Abuse Review, Oct 25, 2014
This study compared the behaviours of previously institutionalised Romanian foster children (ages... more This study compared the behaviours of previously institutionalised Romanian foster children (ages 6–12) with normative data for non-referred children.
We hypothesised that foster children would have higher scores (more unfavourable outcomes) on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Teacher Report Form (TRF) (all syndromes) than norms.
Results were mixed, showing that (a) boys and girls have Attention Problems with the TRF, but not the CBCL; (b) girls have fewer Internalising Problems than norms (CBCL and TRF); and (c) boys have more problems than norms for Attention, Inattention, Hyperactivity, Aggressive, Externalising, and Total Problems with the TRF; and more problems than norms on Social, Rule-Breaking, Externalising, and Total Problems with the CBCL, but fewer problems for Attention. In addition, many differences between Romanian foster children and norms were insignificant.
Sampling issues and norms, reporting differences between foster parents and teachers, individual differences, as well as the better than expected results for foster children when compared to norms may stem from a variety of causes that are discussed in this report.
How do harsh early environments affect children’s development? The answer to this question is com... more How do harsh early environments affect children’s development? The answer to this question is complex and difficult to determine for a variety of reasons. However, data obtained from the Romanian child-welfare system provided a new opportunity to approach this question. We examined the association between the pathways children followed leading to their placement in foster families and their behaviors. The four pathways identified were: (a) children placed directly from biological families into foster families, (b) children abandoned in nurseries before placement in foster families, (c) children abandoned in maternity wards before placement in foster families, and (d) children who resided in placement centers (formerly called orphanages) before placement in foster families. Overall, children in the Placement Center Pathway showed the most psychological and behavior problems, second was the Nursery Pathway, third was the Biological Family Pathway, and finally the Maternity Pathway had the least problems. It is important to note that it is not the intention of the present study to draw a definitive causal arrow between placement centers and later functioning. Data from the present study, and future studies of this type, will help policy-makers, practitioners, and researchers ascertain existing needs of these children so that future efforts to improve foster care may be directed to these areas.
Objective: The primary aim of this paper was to describe the degree to which Romanian women utili... more Objective: The primary aim of this paper was to describe the degree to which Romanian women utilize free prenatal care services and to describe the demographic profile of women who are at risk for underutilization.
Methods: Secondary data (n = 914) was taken from a large, nationally representative sample of Romanian mothers and children (N = 2117). Kotelchuck’s Adequacy of Prenatal Care Utilization Index was used to measure the adequacy of prenatal care.
Results: Seventy-eight percent of mothers underutilized prenatal care services. Those who underutilized to the greatest degree were likely to be young, members of an ethnic minority, poor, uneducated, and rural. Those who utilized care to the greatest degree were likely to be older, members of the ethnic majority, wealthy, educated, and city dwelling.
Conclusion: These findings illustrate the concerning magnitude of prenatal care underutilization in Romania, despite the fact that the risk factors for underutilization are similar to those found elsewhere in Europe and the developed world. Future studies should examine factors that contribute to high underutilization, whether underutilization corresponds to negative health outcomes, and whether targeted social interventions and outreach could help increase care utilization.
The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decad... more The Romanian child welfare system has undergone a series of major changes over the past two decades, impacting the type of care and developmental outcomes for Romanian orphans and foster children. Each distinct reform period within this twenty-year span can be identified by the laws and governmental reform measures enacted, the shift in child population among various Romanian institutions and foster care homes, types of institutions available to children, level of care, shift in reasons for child abandonment, changes in ways children are routed through the system, and how these changes have effect children’s development, health, and psychological well-being.
Bronfenbrenner's ecological model is well known in developmental psychology, and our intention is... more Bronfenbrenner's ecological model is well known in developmental psychology, and our intention is to extend it to Romanian children with a history of institutionalization. The experiences of these children are described following the four systems proposed by the famous author (i.e., microsystem, mesosystem, exosystem, and macrosystem).