NCJ Number
114498
Date Published
1988
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Structured interviews and psychological instruments provided data from 50 abused women and 50 nonabused women to determine the effects of spouse abuse on the children in the family.
Abstract
The sample included 50 mothers and their children ages 4 to 16 from shelters for abused women and their children and 50 mother-child pairs from the community. The study excluded mothers and children who were receiving psychological or psychiatric services beyond assessment and diagnosis. Multiple regression analysis suggested that children's behavior problems were strongly associated with maternal adjustment and the amount of physical aggression in the home. Consistent with findings from other studies, boys were found to be more vulnerable than girls to marital discord and parental separation. However, results did not support a causal link between witnessing spouse abuse and child adjustment problems, because family violence is clearly associated with many family problems that may produce the overall negative impact on the child. Findings support the growing consensus that family violence affects children in many direct and indirect ways and underscore the need for mental health professionals to be alert to the impact of family violence on children. Tables and 29 references.