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Child Witnesses to Violence Between Parents: Critical Issues in Behavioral and Social Adjustment

NCJ Number
123163
Journal
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology Volume: 14 Issue: 1 Dated: (1986) Pages: 95-104
Author(s)
D A Wolfe; L Zak; S Wilson; P Jaffe
Date Published
1986
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study examined the impact of exposure to family violence on children's adjustment.
Abstract
Two groups of residents of shelters for battered women (current and former residents) were compared to a nonviolent control group. All three groups of mothers completed interviews and self-report questionnaires related to both their own and their children's adjustment. Children recently witnessing violence tended to have the lowest levels of social competence ratings; and their mothers reported the most health and emotional difficulties. Former residents of shelters experienced the highest level of family/social disadvantage. The results are discussed in the context of previous research findings, and implications for intervention programs are outlined. (Author abstract)