A Pilot Study of the Cognitive Abilities of Two Year Olds Exposed to Temporary Father Absence
Abstract
Children raised in father absent environments are at a potential disadvantage, in terms o f cognitive development. Father absence can not be avoided in some situations, such as during military service . This current study's aim is to test a particular research methodology . The goal is to examine and describe the affects of limited father absence on the cognitive performance of two year old children. A standardized cognitive screening test, the Cognitive Abilities Scale (CAS), was administered to a convenience sample of five two-year-olds, whose military fathers had been absent for a minimum of three months. All were children of college educated military officers. Subjects scored above the standardized mean for the test in terms of global cognitive abilities . As a result of the pilot, several methodological problems were identified; 1) the study of father absence was found to be a sensitive issue in the military setting, 2) problems were encountered in accessing two-year-olds, and 3) convenience sampling lead to a nonrepresentative sample . Alternate methodologies are suggested to address these problems in future research. Health care providers can provide early assessment and initiate interventions for children at risk for negative cognitive effects from father absence.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 28, 1996
- Accession Number
- AD1011510
Entities
People
- Melvin J. Dueck
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences