Incidence of Witnessing Interparental Violence and Some of Its Psychological Consequences Among Arab Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 205499
• Journal: Child Abuse & Neglect: The International Journal Volume: 25 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2001 Pages: 885-907
• Author(s): Muhammad M. Haj-Yahia
• Date Published: July 2001
• Length: 23 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the incidence and psychological outcomes of witnessing interparental psychological aggression and physical violence among Arab adolescents.

Abstract

Vast amounts of research have underscored the devastating mental health implications for children who witness interparental violence. However, to date most of these studies have taken place in North America or Western Europe; similar research in Arab nations is lacking. Research on the psychological outcomes of domestic violence on Arab adolescents may be particularly important in light of previous findings that indicate domestic violence is more prevalent in some cultures than others. The study involved a cross-sectional survey of 1,740 Arab adolescents in 8 high schools in Israel, who were between the ages of 16 to 18 years. Participants provided demographic and background data and completed four measures: the Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS), the Hopelessness Scale for Children (HSC), the Psychological Adjustment Scale (PAS), and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE). All scales were culturally adjusted. Results of regression and multiple regression analyses reveal that Arab adolescents witness high rates of interparental psychological aggression and physical violence. Controlling for other variables identified as significant in previous research, these results also indicated that witnessing different patterns of interparental abuse significantly accounted for the variation in adolescents’ hopelessness, psychological adjustment problems, and low-self-esteem. These findings confirm the results of previous research that indicates negative mental health outcomes for adolescents who witness interparental abuse. Future research may focus on the effects of witnessing violence in adolescents’ extended families and may also investigate main risk factors predisposing families to violence. Tables, references