Evaluating an Intergenerational Model to Explain the Path From Violence Against Mothers to Child Behavior and...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Public Health

Background:

• Partner violence against mothers has lasting intergenerational effects on child behavior.
• Evaluating long-term impacts requires longitudinal studies tracking families after seeking support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate an intergenerational model of the long-term effects of partner violence on child behavior.
• To identify factors associated with maternal mental health and child behavioral problems.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal study of 278 mothers 48 months after seeking safe shelter or justice services.
• Assessed maternal self-efficacy, social support, financial support, mental health, and child behavior.
• Examined associations between maternal factors, child witnessing abuse, and child behavioral and academic functioning.

Main Results:

• Maternal self-efficacy, social support, and financial support were inversely associated with maternal mental health concerns.
• Higher maternal mental health concerns and child witnessing abuse were associated with increased child behavioral problems.
• Child behavioral problems were inversely associated with child academic functioning.

Conclusions:

• Maternal mental health and safety are critical mediators of child outcomes following partner violence.
• Interventions should prioritize establishing safety for mothers and children and enhancing maternal mental health.
• Addressing the cycle of violence requires comprehensive support systems for affected families.