NCJ Number
225096
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 7 Dated: October 2008 Pages: 619-629
Date Published
October 2008
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This study examined symptom patterns, and predictors of these patterns, among a community sample of children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV).
Abstract
The cluster analysis revealed four distinct patterns of child functioning patterns among exposed youth: typical, asymptomatic, acute posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and general distress. These patterns were replicated in separate cluster analyses with younger and older participants. One quarter of children living in homes where police were called due to an incident of IPV demonstrated patterns of behavioral and emotional problems. Children who displayed internalizing or externalizing behaviors only were not found. Findings suggest that distinct symptom patterns can be identified, and are related to maternal functioning and child trauma history. Evaluations of children exposed to IPV should include assessments of maternal functioning. Interventions should be provided to decrease maternal aggression and/or distress when significant. Treatment of depressed mothers is associated with significant improvement in child functioning, even with no direct child intervention. Educating mothers about the effects of their own symptoms on their child’s functioning should be a routine component of any evaluation and treatment. Data were collected from 74 women who had more than 1 child between the ages of 2 and 17 and who had received a police call for domestic violence. Tables, references