Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence, Peer Relations, and Risk for Internalizing Behaviors: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

• NCJ Number: 242856
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 27 Issue: 1 Dated: January 2012 Pages: 125-141
• Author(s): Kathleen Camacho; Miriam K. Ehrensaft; Patricia Cohen
• Date Published: January 2012
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): OCD_CB-18; MH-36971/MH-38916/MH-49191/MH-60911; K08-MH01913; 1J-CX-0029
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

This study examined the quality of peer relations as a mediator between exposure to IPV (intimate partner violence) and internalizing behaviors in a sample of preadolescents and adolescents.

Abstract

The present study examines the quality of peer relations as a mediator between exposure to IPV (intimate partner violence) and internalizing behaviors in a sample of 129 preadolescents and adolescents (ages 10-18), who were interviewed via telephone as part of a multigenerational, prospective, longitudinal study. Relational victimization is also examined as a moderator of IPV exposure on internalizing behaviors. Results demonstrate a significant association of exposure to severe IPV and internalizing behaviors. Relational victimization is found to moderate the effects of exposure to severe IPV on internalizing behaviors. The present findings suggest that the effects of exposure to IPV had a particularly important effect on the risk for internalizing problems if the adolescent also experienced relational victimization. Conversely, the receipt of prosocial behaviors buffer against the effects of IPV exposure on internalizing symptoms in teen girls. Abstract published by arrangement with Sage Journals.