This page gives a synopsis of the psychological report done on the situation, with a special eye, primarily, on the effects to the children. It was done by Dr. R.P. Haines, Ph. D. Chartered Psychologist, in May of 1993.
If you wish to have a copy of the entire psychological report, please send a S.A.S.E. along with $3.00 postage & handling, to the Pentz address listed on this website
The first part deals with "Terms of Reference" and states that the request for a psychological evaluation was done by Ms. Colleen Kenny, specifically requesting "an evaluation of the issue of interpersonal bonding (attachment) of the children with their maternal grandparents and with their paternal aunt Ms. Carol Treich and her husband, Mr. Andrew Treich." This included a request for "information about theory regarding attachment and what might be expected if there is interference or disruption of important attachments."
It also states at this point that a bi-lateral evaluation was done by Margo Kushner, Social Worker, in November of 1992, and that this particular evaluation is intended "to address the issue of bonding or attachment and to provide information regarding attachment theory, not to involve a full bi-lateral evaluation of the custody-access issues."
EVALUATION PROCEDURE.
This consisted of live observations of Rebecca and Christina interacting with all the adults concerned. (May 6, 1993, just over two hours, each couple, mostly at separate homes.) Videotaped segments of interactions with each couple over a longer period of time was also made available, by both couples.
Dr. Haines also spoke briefly with each couple to gain "impressions of their positions and opinions regarding the guardianship and custody issues." He states that he was informed that "Ms. Kushner . . . had drawn conclusions that supported the Treich's applications . .", but that he did not have specific information about Ms. Kushner's assessment.
He goes on to list what type of behaviour he was looking for in the children in regards to bonding, and specifically by the adults which would demonstrate "sensitive responsiveness" to the children.
The next segment describes a brief history of both couples, which has already been described in various parts of this website. Dr. Haines does mention in this part that information given "pointed to the likelihood that Rebecca experienced some trauma with the loss of her parents." He was informed by the Pentzes that Rebecca had nightmares shortly after her parents' deaths, and that, according to both couples, she made indications that she longed for her parents.
He also states that the children were made temporary wards of the Government of British Columbia until guardianship was determined.
At this point, a telephone conversation with Mr. Thomas Pritchard, social Worker with the BC Government, Child Welfare Branch is described. (May 17, 1992) (Note: this date is probably a typo, since it would place the children as wards of the government before the deaths of their parents.)
Mr. Pritchard says in this conversation that there were "some initial difficulties with which to cope when the children were place in the Pentzs' care; they had intense grief for their daughter and her husband . .". He gave a history of difficulties between the two families "which complicated matters." Mr. Pritchard goes on to state that the Pentzes had joined a grief support group and have coped well with a difficult situation, tended to be over protective with the children, but "shown a willingness to improve their parenting styles."
ATTACHMENT THEORY
This section describes the history of "attachment theory" in its development within the psychological community, and what conclusions have been gathered from this theory. Among other things:
"that human infants are, "preadapted to interact with and respond to a human caregiver" (Bretherton, 1992, p. 134)."
"that enduring affectional bonds . . . to a specific attachment figure or figures, appear in infants when they are about six months to one year of age." (John Bowlby, 1969)
that "Infants experience separation anxiety when the attachment figure is physically or psychologically absent, and security when the attachment figure is present." (John Bowlby, 1969)
"There is abundant evidence that almost every child habitually prefers one person, usually his mother-figure . . . when distressed . . in her absence . . make do with someone else, preferably someone whom he knows well." (John Bowlby, 1988)
This section goes on to talk about anti social disorders, deprivation of contact, initial studies, controversies, criticisms, and supporting studies and recent work.
INTERVIEWS AND OBSERVATIONS OF REBECCA AND CHRISTINA INTERACTING WITH THEIR MATERNAL GRANDPARENTS . . . AND THEIR PATERNAL AUNT AND UNCLE . . .
This section describes in detail the observations made between the children and both sets of adults. It is noted that "the two families appeared to be affected by timing of the observations and situational conditioning." Each couple was instructed to simply behave as they would normally. he states that "The children showed considerable attachment behaviour with all four adults."
Christina: "It was my impression that Christina tended to show the most secure attachment pattern with the adults . . " "Christina was comfortable approaching me . ." "With both couples she showed this pattern of secure attachment and the adults appeared to respond sensitively . ."
Rebecca: "Showed a less secure pattern" "more clingy and demanding at times" "not as comfortable" "less independent behaviour in person" "longer to show acceptance of my presence" Dr. Haines tell of Rebecca's ignoring his request to speak even when prompted by one of the adults, but he notes that she had a hearing problem and speech articulation difficulties. He decided not to seek her opinion as it would be imposing and lead to less reliable information.
All adults tended to indulge Rebecca's needs due in part to being observed, but also because she was more demanding.
It was Dr. Haines' impression that "the primary attachment figure of the girls was Gabriella Pentz." "the quality of attachment with Gabriella appeared indicative of the strongest bond, with obvious comfort of the girls in her presence . ."
CONCLUSIONS
(This is Dr. Haines' conclusion in full)
"From theory of attachment one would expect that Christina would attach to those with whom she felt close emotional bonds, and primarily with one attachment figure being that person with whom (sic) has spent most time and who has been responsive to her needs. Given that Christina was still within an age range where a primary attachment is most likely formed, and within which she could transfer her attachments from one primary caregiver to another, it isn't surprising that she has shown a secure primary attachment with Gabriella Pentz.
Rebecca's attachments appear less secure, although she too seems primarily attached to Ms. Pentz. The four adults are very important as attachment figures to these children who would benefit from continued contact with each couple. The Pentz home environment provides a sense of permanence and security for the children. To move them from that environment and from the person who appears to be their primary attachment figure may have long-term traumatizing effects. Given the possibility that Rebecca may already have experienced some emotional aftereffects of the trauma of loss, an added loss may be especially consequential. (emphasis added)
It was my impression that the transfer of children from one couple to another during the visit was not facilitated or made very comfortable for the children. In fact, some of the actions prior to the children leaving the Pentz home seemed to be unsettling. For their future healthy development it is vital that the children not be caught in a crossfire of angry exchanges (even subtle ones) and that they be encouraged to develop healthy attachments with each of these significant adults in their lives. The custody parents have a responsibility to encourage close contact with the other significant attachment figures in the children's lives.
Furthermore, I think that it would be most advantageous to the children if the Pentz and Treich couples would collaborate more on parenting approaches and disciplining styles. (see Discovery Discrepancies, Section B, for Carol Treiche's veiwpoint on this) Perhaps this could be accomplished through mediation-like sessions with someone who could debrief them regarding old issues and help them focus on parenting styles. Hopefully, they can adopt the view of having the vital responsibility of nurturing, rather than taking ownership of, two beautiful young orphan children who require displays of acceptance, security, and encouragement.
Thank you for referring these people to me. Please contact me if you require clarifications. Included is a reference source list."
R.P. Haines, Ph.D.
Chartered Psychologist
(A List of References was provided with this report.)