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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Prenatal substance exposure is associated with neurodevelopmental deficits. Deficits are exacerbated by cumulative risks yet attenuated by cumulative protective factors. Cross-domain relative to intra-domain risk exposure presents more neurodevelopmental challenges. Cumulative risk and protection scores must be clinically and theoretically grounded, with cross-domain considerations.
OBJECTIVES: 1) Create clinically and theoretically grounded, cross-domain cumulative risk and protection scores; 2) Describe the benefits of our methodological approach.
PARTICIPANTS & SETTING: This study included three sibling groups (N = 8) at Mothercraft's Breaking the Cycle, a child maltreatment prevention and early intervention program for substance using mothers and their children.
METHOD: We outlined the process of establishing clinically and theoretically grounded, cross-domain cumulative risk and protection scores. Total and cross-domain cumulative risk and protection percentages, and the balance between domains of risk and protection, were explored.
RESULTS: Clinically and theoretically grounded, cross-domain cumulative risk and protection scores were established. Total percentages were reported. Cross-domain profiles of cumulative risk and protection, and the number of significant domains of risk relative to protection, were reported. The cross-domain profiles facilitated consideration of intra- and inter-domain risk and protection within and between sibling groups.
CONCLUSIONS: Emerging patterns indicate the importance of establishing cumulative risk and protection scores that are: 1) clinically and theoretically grounded, 2) cross-domain, and 3) encompass cumulative protection and risk. In understanding profiles of risk and protection, we can inform evidence-based early interventions that address: 1) high-risk children, 2) the full range of risks, 3) vulnerable domains, and 4) protective factors.
Language: en |