Brassard, Marla R. (mrb29) | Teachers College, Columbia University

Biographical Information

Educational Background

B.A., Whitworth College (Psychology); Ph.D., Columbia University (Educational Psychology).

Professional License and Certification: Applied Psychologist in New York; Certified School Psychologist in states of New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.

Scholarly Interests

Professor Brassard’s research on parenting and wellbeing across high stress contexts has two strands: parental psychological maltreatment of children and parenting young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Graduate students working with her participate in both strands. They conduct research and publish articles with members of the Psychological Maltreatment Alliance (PMA) research subcommittee and present findings at child maltreatment conferences. Additionally, graduate students receive support to participate in, and sometimes conduct, a wide range of trainings at the PMA. They also join Professor Brassard’s ongoing collaboration with a multi-disciplinary research team; Professors Greer and Dudek in the Applied Behavior Analysis program and Professor Jahromi in the ID/Autism program on parental wellbeing and quality of parenting. Students are trained to directly lead supportive and skills-based parenting groups and conduct research in the ongoing Incredible Years® for Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum and Language Delays Parent Program: A Telehealth Randomized Control Trial. Students also receive biweekly supervision from the program developer of the Incredible Years ® Program as well as weekly research supervision from Professors Brassard, Jahromi, and Dudek. Keeping individual graduate students research interests in mind, Professor Brassard mentors and collaborates with students for more student-specific independent research.

Professor Brassard has co-authored four books, many articles/chapters, co-wrote the Guidelines for the Psychosocial Evaluation of Suspected Psychological Maltreatment (APSAC, 1995; 2017), and co-convened a Lilly Foundation supported International Psychological Abuse Conference in 1983 and the Global Summit on Psychological Maltreatment in 2019. For 40 years she trained graduate students in individual psychological assessment and diagnosis and family as the context for child development. She is a licensed psychologist, a certified school psychologist, and has conducted and/or supervised hundreds of individual psychoeducational evaluations for individuals ages 2 to 50. Among her publications is a co-authored graduate text, Brassard and Boehm (2007), Preschool Assessment: Perspective and Strategies. Since 1992 she has been a consultant to testing agencies on applicant requests for accommodations on their exams for neurodevelopmental and mental health problems and has been an expert witness on child maltreatment, child and family development, and developmental disorders as they relate to forensic cases (e.g., death penalty mitigation, child testimony, child custody, the ADA). She is a fellow of the American Psychological Association, past president of the Council of Directors of School Psychology Programs (CDSPP), and was a member of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation Research Advisory Board.

Selected Publications

Baker, A. J. L, Brassard, M. R., & Rosenzweig, J. (2021). Providing parents with advice about alternatives to psychological maltreatment: A survey of professionals in fields related to child maltreatment. Child Welfare, 99(1), 93-115.

Baker, A. J. L, Brassard, M. R., & Rosenzweig, J. (2021). Psychological maltreatment: Definition and reporting barriers among American professionals in the field of child abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect, 114: 104941.

Hart, S. N., Brassard, M. R., & Wernham, M. (2021). Psychological Maltreatment – A Threat to Children. In J. E. Korbin R. D. Krugman & (Eds.), The handbook of child maltreatment. Springer.

Brassard, M. R., Hart, S. N., & Glaser, D. (2020). Psychological maltreatment: An International Challenge to Children's Safety and Well-being. Child Abuse and Neglect. Doi: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104611.

Baker, A. J. L., & Brassard, M. R. (2019). Predictors of variation in state reported rates of psychological maltreatment: A survey of U.S. statutes and a call for change. Child Abuse and Neglect, 96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104102

Brassard, M. R. (2019). Psychological Maltreatment is at least as harmful as other forms of child abuse and neglect: A research review. APSAC Advisor, 31(3), 18-27.

Brassard, M. R., Hart, S. N., Baker, A. J. L., & Chiel, Z. A. (2019). Psychological maltreatment of children. APSAC Monograph 1, apsac.org.

Brassard, M. R., Hart, S. N., & Glaser, D. (in press). Psychological maltreatment: An International Challenge to Children's Safety and Well-being. Child Abuse and Neglect.

Fiorvanti, C. M., & Brassard, M. R. (2019). Child protection. In S. N. Hart & B. Nastasi (Eds.), International Handbook on School Psychology and Child Rights.

Baker, A. J. L., & Brassard, M. R. (2019). Predictors of variation in state reported rates of psychological maltreatment: A survey of U.S. statutes and a call for change. Child Abuse and Neglect, 96. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104102

Brassard, M. R., Hart, S. N., Baker, A. J. L., & Chiel, Z. A. (2019). Psychological maltreatment of children. APSAC Monograph 1, apsac.org.

Brassard, M. R. & Melmed, L. (2017). Psychological maltreatment. In R. Alexander (Ed.), Research and practices in child maltreatment: Definitions of abuse and prevention (Volume 1 of 2, pp. 335-360). Florissant, MO: STM Learning.

Hart, S. N., Brassard, M. R., Baker, A. J. L., & Chiel, Z. A. (2017). Psychological maltreatment of children. In J. Conte & B. Klika (Eds.), The APSAC Handbook on Child Maltreatment: 4th Edition (pp. 145-162). London: Sage Publications.

Hart, S. N., Brassard, M. R., Baker, A. J. L., & Chiel, Z. A. (2017). Psychological maltreatment of children. In J. Conte & B. Klika (Eds.), The APSAC Handbook on Child Maltreatment: 4th Edition. London: Sage Publications.

Brassard, M. R., & Fiorvanti, C. M. (2015). School-based child abuse prevention programs. Psychology in the Schools, 52(1), 40-60. DOI:10.1002/pits.21811

Principal Publications

Refereed Articles

Rothschild, B. M., & Brassard, M. R. (2006). Teachers' conflict management styles: The role of attachment styles and classroom management efficacy. Journal of School Psychology, 44 (2), 105-121.

Brassard, M. R., & Chen, S. (2005).The boarding of upper middle class toddlers in China Psychology in the Schools, 42 (3), 297-304.

Storch, E. A., Masia, C. L., & Brassard, M. R. (2003). The relationship of peer victimization to social anxiety and loneliness in adolescents. Child Study Journal, 33, 1-18.

Dillon, D. H., & Brassard, M. R. (1999). Adolescents and parental AIDS death: The role of social support. Omega: Journal of Death and Dying.Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Hart, S. D., Binkley, N. J., & Brassard, M. R. (1997). Evidence for the effects of psychological maltreatment. Journal of Emotional Abuse, 1, 27-58.

Brassard, M., Hart, S. & Hardy, D. (1993). The Psychological Maltreatment Rating Scales. Child Abuse and Neglect, 17 (4), 715-729.

Hart, S. N., & Brassard, M. R. (1991). Psychological maltreatment: Progress achieved. Development and Psychopathology, 3, 61-70.

Brassard, M. R., Hyman, l., & Dimmitt, C. (1991). What can children expect? Protecting and nurturing children in school and community contexts. School Psychology Review, 20 (3), 369-381.

Brassard, M. R., & Barnes, S. G. (1987). Serving emotionally disturbed students in rural settings: A case study of service delivery problems and alternative solutions. School Psychology Review, 16, 391-397.

Hart, S. N. & Brassard, M. R. (1987). A major threat to children's mental health: psychological maltreatment. American Psychologist, 42, 161-165.

Germain, R., Brassard, M. R., & Hart, S. N. (1985). Crisis counseling: Maltreatment of children. School Psychology Review, 14, 291-299.

Brassard, M. R. (1985). Child sexual abuse: What your child should know. A review of programs for grades 7-12 and for senior high students. School Psychology Review, 14, 388-390.

Thompson, P. L., & Brassard, M. R. (1984). Cummings and Moscato soft on the Woodcock-Johnson. School Psychology Review, 13, 41- 44.

Thompson, P. L., & Brassard, M. R. (1984). Validity of the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability: A comparison of the WISC-R in LD and normal elementary students. Journal of School Psychology, 22, 201-208.

Tyler, A. H., & Brassard, M. R. (1984). Abuse in the investigation and treatment of intrafamilial child sexual abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect, 8, 47-53.

Brassard, M. R., Tyler, A., & Kehle, T. (1983). School programs to prevent intrafamilial child sexual abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect, 7, 241-245.

Brassard, M. R., Tyler, A., & Kehle, T. (1983). Sexually abused children: Identification and suggested interventions. School Psychology Review, 12, 93-97.

Brassard, M. R., & Szaranic, L. (1983). Promoting early school achievement in American Indian children. School Psychology International, 4, 91-100.

Burns, C. W., & Brassard, M. R. (1982). A look at the single parent family: Implications for the school psychologist. Psychology in the Schools, 19, 487-494.

Invited Articles

Hart, S. N., & Brassard, M. R. (1993). Psychological maltreatment, Violence Update, 1, 9-11.

Brassard, M. R., & Gelardo, M. S. (1987). Psychological maltreatment: The unifying construct in child abuse and neglect. School Psychology Review, 16, 127-136.

Brassard, M. R., & Colton, J. (1985). Sexual harassment in School Psychology: The results of a national survey. Communiqu, 14(2), 7-8.

Books

Brassard, MR. & Boehm, A. E. (2007). Preschool assessment: Perspectives and Strategies.New York: Guilford Press. This is a 14 chapter, authored graduate text.

Binggeli, N., Hart, S., & Brassard, M. R. (2001). Psychological maltreatment of children (Child abuse and neglect series). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Talley, R. C., Kubiszyn, T., Brassard, M. R., & Short, R. J. (Eds.), (1996) Making psychologists in schools indispensable: Critical issues and emerging perspectives.Washington, DC: ERIC and the American Psychological Association.

Brassard, M. R., Germain, R., & Hart, S. N. (Eds.) (1987). Psychological maltreatment of children and youth.Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press, 316 pages. Chosen Academic Book of the Year by Choice, and a selection of the Behavioral Sciences Book Service. Reviews by Choice and the American Journal of Occupational Therapy.

Book Chapters

Brassard, M. R., & Rivelis, R. (2006). Psychological and physical abuse. In G. Bear & K. Minke (Eds.), Children's Needs III: Understanding and Addressing the Developmental Needs of Children (pp. 799-820). Bathesda, MD: NASP.

Brassard, M. R., & Donovan. (2006). Defining psychological maltreatment. In Feerick, M. M., Knutson, J. F., Trickett, P. K., & Flanzer, S. M. (Eds.), Child abuse and neglect: Definitions, classifications, and framework for research (pp. 151-197). Baltimore, MD: Brookes Publishing.

Saigh, P.A., Brassard, M. R., & Peverly, S. T. (2004). Cognitive behavioral interventions for children and adolescents with PTSD. In S. Taylor (Ed.), The treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder: Cognitive-behavioral perspectives (pp. 243-263). New York: Springer.

Brassard, M. R., & Butterfass, M. J. (2003) Escalation-de-escalation: Teacher interventions. In J. Miller, I., Rodriquez Martin, & G. Schamess (Eds.), School violence and children in crises: School and community based strategies for social workers and counselors (pp. 187-206). Denver, CO: Love Publishing.

Hart, S. N., Brassard, M. R., Binggeli, N. J., Davidson, H. S. (2003). Psychological maltreatment. Encyclopedia of Marriage and Family Relations, 1, 221-227. New York: MacMillan Reference USA.

Brassard, M. R., Hart, S. N., & Hardy, D. B. (2001). Psychological and emotional abuse. In R. T. Ammerman & M. Hersen (Eds.), Case studies in family violence (2nd edition, pp. 293-322). New York: Plenum.

Brassard, M. R., & Hart, S. N. (2000). What is psychological maltreatment? In H. Dubowitz & D. DePanfilis (Eds.), Handbook for child protection practice (pp. 23-30). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Brassard, M. R., & Hart, S. N. (2000). How do I determine if a child has been psychologically maltreated? In H. Dubowitz & D. DePanfilis (Eds.), Handbook for child protection practice (pp. 215-219). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Brassard, M. R., & Hardy, D. (1998). Psychological maltreatment. In M. E. Helfer, R. S. Kempe, & R. Krugman (Eds.), The battered child (4th edition, pp. 393-412). Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press.

Brassard, M. R. (1997). Psychological and physical abuse. In G. Bear, K. Minke, & A. Thomas (Eds.), Children's needs II: Psychological perspectives (pp. 877-888). Washington, DC: NASP.

Brassard, M. R. (1996). Listening to our clients: A strategy for making psychology indispensable in the schools. In Talley, R. C., Kubiszyn, T., Brassard, M. R., & Short, R. J. (Eds.), (1996), Making psychologists in schools indispensable: Critical issues and emerging perspectives (pp. 91-96).Washington, DC: ERIC and the American Psychological Association.

Hart, S. N., & Brassard, M. R. (1996). Psychological maltreatment of children. In R. Gelles (Ed.), Vision 2010: Families and violence, abuse and neglect (pp. 14-15). Minneapolis, MN: National Council on Family Relations.

Hart, S. N., Brassard, M. R. & Karlson, H. (1996). Psychological maltreatment. In L. Berliner, J. Briere, J. Bulkley, C. Jenny & T. Reid (Eds.), The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment (pp. 72-89). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Brassard, M. R., & Apellaniz, l. (1992). The abusive family: Theory and intervention. In M. J. Fine & C. I. Carlson (Eds.), Handbook of family-school problems and interventions: A systems perspective (pp. 215-230). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.

Bonner, B. L., Kaufman, K., Harbeck, C., & Brassard, M. R. (1992). Child maltreatment. In C. E. Walker & M. C. Roberts (Eds.), Handbook of clinical child psychology (2nd edition, pp. 967-1008). New York: John Wiley and Sons.

Brassard, M. R., Hart, S. N. & Hardy, D. B. (1991). Psychological and emotional abuse of children. In R. T. Ammerman & M. Hersen (Eds.), Case studies in family violence (pp. 255-270). New York: Plenum.

Hart, S. N., & Brassard, M. R. (1990). Psychological maltreatment of children. In R. T. Ammerman & M. Hersen (Eds.), Treatment of family violence: A sourcebook (pp. 77-112). New York: John Wiley & Sons.

Brassard, M. R., & McNeill, L. (1987). Child sexual abuse. In M. R. Brassard, R. Germain, & S. N. Hart (Eds.), Psychological maltreatment of children and youth (pp. 69-88). Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press.

Hart, S. N., & Brassard, M. R. (1987). Psychological maltreatment: Integration and summary. In M. R. Brassard, R. Germain, & S. N. Hart (Eds.), Psychological maltreatment of children and youth (pp. 254-266). Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press.

Hart, S. N., Brassard, M. R., & Germain, R. (1987). Psychological maltreatment in education and schooling. In M. R. Brassard, R. Germain, & S. N. Hart (Eds.), Psychological maltreatment of children and youth (pp. 217-242). Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press.

Hart, S. N., Germain, R., & Brassard, M. R. (1987). The challenge: To better understand and combat the psychological maltreatment of children and youth. In M. R. Brassard, R. Germain, & S. N. Hart (Eds.), Psychological maltreatment of children and youth (pp. 3-24). Elmsford, NY: Pergamon Press.

Brassard, M. R. (1986). Family assessment procedures and approaches. In H. M. Knoff (Ed.), The psychological assessment of child and adolescent personality (pp. 399-449). New York: Guilford Press.

Hart, S. N., Gelardo, M., & Brassard, M. R. (1986). Psychological maltreatment. In J. Jacobsen (Ed.), Psychiatric sequelae of child abuse (pp. 133-168). Springfield, IL: Charles Thomas.

Test/Book/Video Reviews

Brassard, M. R. (1999). Review of the videotape, Understanding six forms of emotional child abuse. Child Abuse and Neglect, 25(3), 429-430.

Brassard, M. (1994). Review of K. O'Hagan's book, The emotional and psychological abuse of children. Child Abuse and Neglect, 18(3), 897-898.

Brassard, M. R. (1985). Review of Process for the assessment of effective student functioning. The ninth mental measurements yearbook. Volume II (pp. 1210-1211). Lincoln, NE: Buros Institute of Mental Measurement, University of Nebraska.

Brassard, M. R. (1985). Review of the Barclay Learning Needs Assessment Inventory. The ninth mental measurements yearbook. Volume II (p. 131). Lincoln, NE: Buros Institute of Mental Measurement, University of Nebraska.

Scholarship In Progress

Auth, J., & Brassard, M. R. (submitted for publication). Mastery orientation and teacher support as predictors of successful retention outcomes.

Hart, S. N., Brassard, M. R., Binggeli, N. J., Davidson, H. S. (in process, invited). Overview of psychological maltreatment. Encyclopedia of Trauma and Abuse. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications

Brassard, M. R., Basch, C. E., Vogel, D., & Greenwald, M. B. (in preparation). Teacher-directed student aggression: Aggressive student or response to a "mean teacher?"

Butterfass, M., & Brassard, M. R. (in preparation). Peer sexual harassment in middle school: A developmental perspective.

Brassard, M. R., Hart, S. N., & Hardy, D. B. (in preparation). Psychological maltreatment: Predicting social competence from mother-child interactions.

DelVecchio, D., Brassard, M. R., & Kretschmer (in preparation). The development of emotional understanding in deaf and hearing children.

Morris, K. & Brassard, M. R. (revise and resubmit). How well does gender predict responses to videotaped physical versus social aggression in normal and conduct disordered adolescents?

Tests Developed

Psychological Maltreatment Rating Scales (1991, 1993) available from M. Brassard

Mental Injury Rating Scales (1993)

Teacher Psychological Aggression Scale (Casarjian & Brassard, 1998)

Comprehensive Assessment of Psychological Maltreatment (2006)

Public Education Pamphlets and Videotapes

Brassard, M. R., & Carlton, S. (1990). Helping children from troubled homes: A videotape in-service program for elementary school teachers.Amherst, MA: University of Massachusetts.

Hart, S. N. & Brassard, M. R. (1988). Teacher's guide to spider-man on emotional abuse.Chicago, IL: National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Brassard, M. R., & Hart, S. N. (1987). Emotional abuse: Words can hurt. Chicago, IL: National Committee for the Prevention of Child Abuse.