Work

Relationship Abuse and Victims’ Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Associations with Child Behavior Problems

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: This study examined associations among male-to-female physical and psychological relationship aggression, female partners’ PTSD symptoms, and behavior problems among the children ( n = 62) of men enrolled in a treatment program for relationship abuse perpetration. Psychological aggression was a stronger predictor of child behavior problems than physical assault. Restrictive engulfment and hostile withdrawal behaviors evidenced the strongest bivariate associations with child behavior problems, and were the strongest predictors of this outcome when considering four distinct forms of psychological aggression together. Victim PTSD symptoms largely mediated the effects of psychological aggression on child behavior. Findings suggest that male-to-female psychological aggression and victim PTSD symptoms play an important role in understanding behavior problems among children living with male relationship abuse perpetrators.

Source: Journal of Family Violence

DOI: 10.1007/s10896-007-9069-z

Authors: Jillian Panuzio, Casey T. Taft, Danielle A. Black, Karestan C. Koenen, Christopher M. Murphy

Institutions: VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston University, University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Harvard University

Language: English

Topic: Intimate Partner and Family Violence

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Gender equality

Open Access status: green

Funders: University of Maryland, Baltimore County, National Institute of Mental Health