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Behavioral problems among children whose mothers are abused by an intimate partner
Mary A Kernic1, Marsha E Wolf, Victoria L Holt
1Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
Child Abuse & Neglect
|November 26, 2003
Summary
Children exposed to maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) show increased behavioral problems. This association persists even when child maltreatment is absent, highlighting the need for mental health support.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
Background:
- Maternal intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure is a significant risk factor for adverse child outcomes.
- Understanding the specific behavioral impacts of IPV exposure is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal IPV exposure and child behavior problems.
- To analyze these associations considering the presence or absence of child maltreatment.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from 167 children (ages 2-17) exposed to maternal IPV.
- Employed the parent-report Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for behavior assessment.
- Used multiple logistic regression analysis, comparing exposed children to a normative sample.
Main Results:
- Children exposed to maternal IPV had higher risks of externalizing and total behavior problems compared to the normative sample.
- Children exposed to both maternal IPV and child maltreatment showed significantly higher risks for internalizing, externalizing, and total behavior problems.
Conclusions:
- Maternal IPV exposure is independently linked to increased child behavioral problems.
- Co-occurring child maltreatment exacerbates these behavioral issues.
- Urgent mental health attention is required for children in households affected by IPV.