NCJ Number
237901
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 35 Issue: 10 Dated: October 2011 Pages: 814-830
Date Published
October 2011
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This study explored the relationship between maternal verbal aggression and the development of negative internalizing and externalizing outcomes, such as depression, low self-esteem, and delinquent behavior.
Abstract
Findings from this study on the effects of maternal verbal aggression (MVA) include the following: boys that experienced continued high levels of MVA reported significantly more depressive symptoms, delinquent behavior, peer victimization, and have a sensitive/isolated reputation than boys who experienced low levels of MVA; girls that experienced high levels of MVA reported significantly more depressive symptoms, low self-esteem, delinquent behavior, peer victimization, and to have more aggressive/disruptive and relationally aggressive reputations than girls who experienced low levels of MVA; and youth who experienced decreasing or increasing levels of MVA exhibited poorer functioning than those who experienced low levels of MVA. This study explored the relationship between MVA and the development of negative internalizing and externalizing outcomes in middle school youth. Data for the study were obtained from a sample (n=421) of youth attending 2 middle schools over 3 years. Dependent variables measured in the study were self-reported depression, self-esteem, delinquency, and peer victimization, as well as peer-rated aggression and sensitive-isolated reputation. The findings indicate increased levels of maternal verbal aggression reported by middle school youth are generally associated with less favorable outcomes for the youth. Implications for prevention and intervention efforts are discussed. Tables, figures, and references