Instruments for Assessing Child Neglect: an integrative review

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17058/yn7gsx49

Keywords:

Child Abuse, Screening, Psychometrics, Psychological Tests

Abstract

Introduction: child neglect affects millions of children worldwide, making it a crucial topic in areas that address care and protection for children.. Objective: to identify and describe the main assessment and screening instruments available in the literature that address the topic, highlighting their limitations, characteristics, and possible improvements. Method: this study is an integrative literature review. Data were extracted from the Scielo, PubMed, and Lilacs databases. Five instruments were included: ECLIPS Screening Tool, Child Maltreatment Severity Questionnaire (MSQ), Screening for Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN), Trauma and Adverse Life Events Screening Tool (TALE), and ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool-Parent Version (ICAST-P). Results: The findings revealed limitations, such as the scarcity of tools addressing this topic, the lack of instruments exclusively targeting child neglect, the need for advanced knowledge of the subject, and the absence of standardized cutoff points. Additionally, gaps in psychometric validity and reliability were identified. Despite these limitations, the analyzed instruments demonstrate valuable contributions. Conclusion: there is a pressing need to develop tools that consider the complexity, impacts, and severity of child neglect. Furthermore, future research should focus on improving the psychometric properties of these instruments.

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Author Biographies

  • Hadassiah Freire, Universidade Estadual do Piauí

    Psychology undergraduate at the State University of Piauí, deeply interested in advancing knowledge in the fields of psychological instruments, neuroscience, psychology, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Committed to studying and researching topics related to mental health, with a particular focus on the effects of modern technologies. Currently working on a scientific initiation project investigating the impact of internet use and online gaming on adolescents' mental health, exploring aspects such as behavior, emotional well-being, and social relationships. With an interdisciplinary approach, she aims to integrate scientific practices into the development of interventions to promote mental health.

  • Lucas Guimarães, State University of Piauí

    Postdoctoral in Psychology from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (CAPES rating 7), PhD in Psychological Assessment from São Francisco University (CAPES rating 7). Master's in Science and Health (UFPI), with a focus on Assessment and Mental Health, and academic-scientific exchange at the Università Degli Studi di Torino (UNITO, Italy). Graduated in Psychology from the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the State University of Piauí (UESPI) and in Dentistry from the Federal University of Piauí (UFPI). Neuropsychologist and Clinical Psychologist certified by the Federal Council of Psychology (CFP), Specialist in Neuropsychology (UNINTER), Mental Health (UNINTER), and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (UESPI). Currently, Adjunct Professor of Psychological Diagnosis at the Department of Psychology, State University of Piauí (UESPI); Judicial Analyst - Psychologist (TJ-MA), with technical-specialized work in Forensic Psychological Expertise in criminal and civil areas. Instructor of training and qualification in Special Testimony, Forensic Interview, and Statement Credibility Analysis. Associate Member of the American College of Forensic Psychology (ACFP), the International Neuropsychology Society (INS), the Psychological Assessment and Psychopathology GT of ANPEPP, and President of the Psychological Assessment GT of CRP-21. Currently, Coordinator and Founder of the Psychological Assessment and Forensic Psychology Laboratory (LAPeP) at UESPI. Coordinator of the Postgraduate Program in Forensic Psychology with an Emphasis on Psychological Expertise at IPOG. Researcher in the fields of forensic psychological expertise, construction of psychological instruments, forensic interview, sexual abuse, psychopathology, and trauma.

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Published

2026-02-01

Issue

Vol. 9 (2026): Fluxo Contínuo

Section

ARTIGO DE REVISÃO

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How to Cite

Freire, H., & Guimarães, L. (2026). Instruments for Assessing Child Neglect: an integrative review. Revista Interdisciplinar De Promoção Da Saúde, 9. https://doi.org/10.17058/yn7gsx49