Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 16, 2026

An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime
07:36

An Experimental Analysis of Children's Ability to Provide a False Report about a Crime

Published on: May 3, 2016

Intimate partner physical and sexual assault & child behavior problems

Judith McFarlane1, Ann Malecha, Kathy Watson

  • 1Texas Woman's University, College of Nursing, Houston, USA. jmcfarlane@twu.edu

MCN. the American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing
|March 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Children exposed to intimate partner physical and sexual assault showed more behavior problems, particularly depression and anxiety. Older children faced the highest risk, highlighting the need for domestic violence screening and support.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Domestic Violence Research
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Intimate partner violence (IPV) significantly impacts maternal mental health and child well-being.
  • Understanding the specific child behavior problems associated with different forms of IPV is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare child behavior problems in children exposed to maternal intimate partner physical and sexual assault versus physical assault only.
  • To identify specific behavioral risks, such as depression and anxiety, in children of mothers experiencing IPV.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive analysis of child behaviors using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) for 109 children (18 months–18 years).
  • Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were employed to compare behavioral scores between groups.

Main Results:

  • Children of mothers experiencing both physical and sexual IPV (n=21) exhibited significantly higher behavior problem scores (M=61.5) than those whose mothers experienced physical assault only (n=10, M=50.8).
  • Older children (12-18 years) were at higher risk for behavioral disorders, with depression and anxiety being prominent.
  • Behavioral scores in the exposed group exceeded those of clinically referred youth.

Conclusions:

  • IPV assessment during pediatric visits is essential for identifying at-risk families.
  • Safety planning and referrals to community resources (counseling, legal, shelter, health) are recommended.
  • Educating mothers about child behavior problems linked to domestic violence is vital for early intervention.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure07:56

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure

Published on: September 19, 2019

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder09:55

Use of a Psychophysiological Script-driven Imagery Experiment to Study Trauma-related Dissociation in Borderline Personality Disorder

Published on: March 8, 2018

Related Concept Videos

Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
Bullying02:04

Bullying

A modern form of aggression is bullying. As you learn in your study of child development, socializing and playing with other children is beneficial for children’s psychological development. However, as you may have experienced as a child, not all play behavior has positive outcomes. Some children are aggressive and want to play roughly. Other children are selfish and do not want to share toys. One form of negative social interactions among children that has become a national concern is bullying.
Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood03:34

Theory of Romantic Attachment in Adulthood

Attachment is a long-standing connection or bond with others. While Attachment Theory was conceived in developmental psychology to describe infant-caregiver bonding, it's been extended into adulthood to include romantic relationships.
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings01:29

Relationship with Other Adult Family Members and Siblings

Other adult family members and siblings play a crucial role in shaping children’s social and emotional development. While parents or primary caregivers are often the central figures in early attachment and socialization, other adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, aunts, and uncles, can significantly influence developmental outcomes. These influences depend on each adult’s personality and may help compensate when a primary caregiver is emotionally distant or inconsistent. For...
Sex Linked Disorders01:43

Sex Linked Disorders

Like autosomes, sex chromosomes contain a variety of genes necessary for normal body function. When a mutation in one of these genes results in biological deficits, the disorder is considered sex-linked.