Exposure to Domestic and Community Violence in a Nonrisk Sample: Associations With Child Functioning

• NCJ Number: 237056
• Journal: Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 23 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 490-504
• Author(s): Neena M. Malik
• Date Published: April 2008
• Length: 15 pages
• Grant Number(s): R03MH54631
• Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Mental Health
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined relations between children's violence exposure, at home and in the community, and symptoms of externalizing and internalizing problems.

Abstract

Limited data exist on the unique, additive, and interactive effects of exposure to domestic and community violence on children's functioning, particularly in community samples. This study examined relations between children's violence exposure, at home and in the community, and symptoms of externalizing and internalizing problems. Parents reported on domestic violence in the home, and children reported on community violence. Concurrent child functioning was measured through parent and teacher reports on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and child self-reports on the Children's Depression Inventory. A multi-ethnic sample of 117 children, aged 8 to 12 years, and their parents and teachers participated. Community violence was related to all measures of children's adjustment, whereas exposure to domestic violence was related only to CBCL externalizing problems. Teacher reports of child aggression were predicted by child age, community violence, and the interaction of community and domestic violence. Implications for research and clinical intervention are discussed. (Published Abstract)