Interactions parent-enfant et développement langagier d'enfants négligés âgés de 3,5 ans

Child neglect is a parent's failure to respond to his child's fundamental needs. In this context, language development is particularly vulnerable as it depends on frequent and sensitive parent-child interactions. After having established the prevalence of language delays among neglected children, this study aims to compare dimensions of parent-child interactions in neglectful and non-neglectful dyads and to identify interactional dimensions associated with the language skills of neglected children. Fifteen neglected and 61 nonneglected children aged 3.5 years and their parents participated in the study. Results show that neglected children present significant delays in all language measures. Neglectful parents displayed less responsiveness and less positive affect toward their child than nonneglectful parents. Clinical and research implications conclude this paper.