Developmentally classifying the endogenous and exogenous problems of children of addicted mothers

Abstract: Maternal addiction has been identified as a significant factor behind the endogenous and exogenous problems in children. The following study extends the works of Cicchetti and Rizley (1981) by providing developmental parameters to classify and categorize known problems to identify both common and salient problems of children of addicted mothers. Archival files (50 files, 68 participants, male=20 and female=48) from a residential rehabilitation facility were reviewed. Data with regard to endogenous problems were mapped according to developmental domains and mother’s principal drug of choice; and data with regard to exogenous problems was plotted against Bronfenbrenner’s ecological model. Results showed that common endogenous problems ranged from biological to psychological problems, with emotional wellbeing being a salient problem. In terms of exogenous problems, unstable home environments was the most common and salient. Implications of the study are discussed.