Infants Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence: Issues of Gender and Sex

• NCJ Number: 240508
• Journal: Journal of Family Violence Volume: 27 Issue: 5 Dated: July 2012 Pages: 477-488
• Author(s): Ketan Tailor; Nicole Letourneau
• Date Published: July 2012
• Length: 12 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This article attempts to provide guidance in gender- and sex-based analysis (GSBA) for research on infant development in families affected by intimate partner violence (IPV).

Abstract

A review of the literature finds that the development of infants exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) may vary across sex as boys display more externalizing behavior, while girls show more internalizing behavior. Given this trend, gender- and sex-based analysis (GSBA) may play a critical role in understanding and improving the adjustment of these infants. Researchers are often encouraged to include gender and sex into their analysis, though they are rarely afforded appropriate direction in this process. The intention of this article is to provide guidance in GSBA for research on infant development in families affected by IPV. The authors present a discussion on GSBA, a review of the literature, explanations for differences in male and female infant development, a set of research priorities, and directions for future work. Findings suggest that a better understanding of the complexities in the adjustment of violence-exposed infants through GSBA may promote childhood development. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.