The Effects of Child Abuse and Exposure to Domestic Violence on Adolescent Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Problems

http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10896-009-9269-9

Most children who have seen domestic violence at any degree have experienced child abuse as well.  This study by Moylan and her group was designed to answer the question:  “Do children who experience exposure to both domestic violence and child abuse have more negative externalized and internalized problems than children who experience one, the other, or neither?”  They knew from previous studies that teens who were abused as children, especially girls, were more likely to experience depression and other internalizing problems.  These children were also more susceptible to externalized behaviors like delinquency and violence.  The all had lower self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and exhibited anti-social behavior.  More studies showed differences in research where gender is concerned.  Some exams showed that girls were more affected while others showed that boys were.  One even showed that exposure to multiple forms of violence as a child led to an increased risk of abuse as those girls became mothers. 

After Moylan and her fellow researchers finished their own study they found that girls have an increased risk for internalizing symptoms.  Boys are at higher risk for externalizing behaviors.  The research showed that children who have experienced dual exposure (witnesses of domestic violence and victims of child abuse) are automatically at a higher risk for all internal and external behavior problems.  However, this doesn’t mean that they show a higher susceptibility to those who have been exposed to one or the other.  There is no real significance between the numbers except that dual exposure means they are more likely to exhibit any of the behaviors studied.

Based on this research it will be much easier to understand and help children who come from abusive situations.  We will know how the child exhibits their reaction to the experience based on the information gathered in multiple studies and can then take action.  We can set up programs that help boys deal with their anger by providing physical activities like boxing or jiu jitsu that demand discipline as well as strength.  We can keep our eyes on the girls and look for subtle signs of internal struggling.  We can then involve them in activities that help them express themselves like free house play or drawing.