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Volume 13, Issue 3, July 2025 Evidence in Action A quarterly research brief from the Center on Trauma and Children
Caregiver Representations in a High-Risk Sample: Factor Analysis of the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI)
Whitt, A., Sprang, G., Gusler, S., & Eslinger, J. (2025). Caregiver representations in a high-risk sample: Factor analysis of the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI). Journal of Family Trauma, Child Custody & Child Development. DOI: 10.1080/26904586.2025.2507918
The Study
This study examined the psychometric properties of the Working Model of the Child Interview (WMCI) in a sample of 1227 caregivers involved with child protective services. Using factor analysis, two key factors were identified—Balanced and Disrupted—that describe caregivers’ internal representations of their child and relationship. Balanced internal working models are characterized by intense involvement, sensitivity, and positive affect. This factor showed strong reliability and clear links to lower child abuse risk and better trauma recovery. Conversely, the disrupted factor can reflect emotional disengagement or inconsistency, distraction, or a sense of being overwhelmed. This factor, though valid in associating with risks like higher abuse potential, showed only moderate reliability in this large sample.
Overall, findings suggest that the WMCI, particularly its Balanced factor, is a useful and valid tool for assessing caregivers’ cognitive representations in high-risk populations, offering insights into risks for maltreatment and targets for intervention. However, the mixed reliability of the Disrupted factor highlights the need for further study and refinement to enhance its research utility. These results support the WMCI’s role in informing prevention and treatment planning for families involved in child welfare.
Translational Tips
1. Use the WMCI to Effectively Assess Caregiver Narratives
- The Balanced factor of the WMCI is reliable and valid for understanding how caregivers see their child and relationship, especially in high-risk families.
- Look for signs of balanced representations — these are protective and linked to lower maltreatment risk and better trauma recovery in caregivers.
2. Recognize Disrupted Representations as Red Flags — But Use with Caution
- Elevated Disrupted factor scores can signal potential risk for maltreatment and relational disruption.
- Remember: its reliability is only moderate. Use these assessment results in context, not as a stand-alone decision point.
- While the Disrupted factor has support clinically, future studies are needed regarding its research utility.
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