NCJ Number
228719
Journal
Aggression and Violent Behavior Volume: 14 Issue: 5 Dated: September/October 2009 Pages: 313-322
Date Published
October 2009
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study sought to identify the overall effect size of children living with domestic violence on their adjustment outcomes, and to examine the effects of different moderators on these outcomes utilizing a meta-analysis review.
Abstract
Unlike previous meta-analyses, this study revealed that there was apparently significant dispersion in effect sizes among different types of child adjustment outcomes as a result of their exposure to family violence. Adjustment outcomes in terms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), internalizing and externalizing problems appeared to be more strongly affected by exposure to family violence, while those in terms of perceptions/cognitions of exposure to family violence, interpersonal relationships, and competence showed lesser impacts. Although it is generally accepted that exposure to family violence is a risk factor for children's adjustment and developmental difficulties, there is in fact a wide variability in child adjustment outcomes related to exposure to violent family relationships. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the moderating and intervening process that may influence the pathways between exposure to family violence and child adjustment problems. Based on 37 articles published in international referred journals between 1995 and 2006, this meta-analytical review attempted to study the sequel of children living with family violence. It attempted to identify the overall effect size of family violence on children's adjustment outcomes. Tables and references