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Parental assessment of the adjustment of children following abduction by the other parent

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Abstract

We present a multiple regression model that explores post-return adjustment of school-age children who experienced abduction by a parent. The model includes: a) child and family characteristics preceding abduction, b) characteristics of the abduction experience, and c) child and family characteristics following return. Overall, the model accounts for 21% of the variance in post-return adjustment of children (p≤.05). The most salient finding is that post-return adjustment of children was best explained by characteristics of the child and family before the abduction occurred. Domestic violence perpetrated by one or both parents was the most significant factor.

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Hegar, R.L., Greif, G.L. Parental assessment of the adjustment of children following abduction by the other parent. J Child Fam Stud 2, 143–158 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01350649

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