Verbal Aggression by Parents and Psycho-Social Problems of Children

• NCJ Number: 129082
• Journal: Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: B35c1 Dated: (March 1990) Pages: 1-22
• Author(s): Y M Vissing; M A Strauss; R J Gelles; J W Harrop
• Date Published: 1990
• Length: 22 pages
• Grant Number(s): R01MH40027; T32MH15161
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Survey
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Papers delivered at August 1989 meeting of Society for the Study of Social Problems and at the October 1989 Eight National Conference on Child Abuse and Neglect

Annotation

This article describes a study of a nationally representative sample of 3,346 children regarding the use of verbal and symbolic aggression by parents.

Abstract

About 63 percent of these children reported 1 or more instances of verbal aggression such as swearing and insulting. Children who experienced frequent verbal aggression from parents as measured by the Conflict Tactic Scales exhibited higher rates of physical aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems than other children. The relationship between verbal aggression and psychosocial problems was found in preschool, elementary school, and high school age children; in both boys and girls; and in both low and high socioeconomic status families. Also this relationship was found in children who were also physically punished as well as those who were not. Results indicate that children who experienced both verbal aggression and severe physical violence exhibited the highest rate of aggression, delinquency, and interpersonal problems. 1 figure, 1 table, and 55 references