NCJ Number
224735
Journal
Journal of Emotional Abuse Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: September 2008 Pages: 299-324
Date Published
September 2008
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This study examined whether male and female witnesses of interparental violence differed from male and female nonwitnesses in the emotions they associated with being victimized and the emotions they attributed to perpetrators of violence against them, and whether male and female witnesses differed from male and female nonwitnesses in the type and intensity of provocation that made them angry or in the emotions they associated with anger regulation.
Abstract
Findings indicate that emotions varied significantly depending upon gender, exposure to violence, victim or perpetrator role, and age, with witness children and girls attributing greater peace to victims and greater violence to perpetrators. In addition, all children in the study were easily provoked to anger, with witness children assisting more readily in anger regulation and female witnesses reacting to provocation the most peacefully. The data provided evidence that being exposed to interparental violence modified the affective meaning of violent people and situations for young children. The consequences of witnessing interparental violence continue to be documented. Research indicates that child witnesses are at a higher risk of experiencing emotional difficulties and other mental health concerns. A review of the emotion processes that may be involved when children witness interparental violence may help to explain these increased risks of children and encourage new approaches to reducing their mental suffering and tendencies to perpetuate violence in their own relationships. One hundred and fifteen witness and nonwitness children ages 6 through 11 responded to questions concerning emotions in violent and anger-provoking scenarios. Figures and references