The effect of maternal victimization on children: A cross-informant study

The impact of maternal victimization on the behavioral, social, emotional, and cognitive development in a group of 206 low-income, predominantly African American children from inner city, pediatric primary health care clinics was explored using mother, teacher, and self-report data. Results revealed...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of family violence 2003-02, Vol.18 (1), p.29-41
Main Authors: Morrel, Tanya M, Dubowitz, Howard, Kerr, Mia A, Black, Maureen M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adjustment
Behavior
Behavior Problems
Black American people
Child abuse
Childrearing Practices
Children
Children & youth
Depression (Psychology)
Domestic violence
Family law
Family studies
Family Violence
Intelligence
Low income families
Low Income Groups
Mothers
Social Competence
Social problems
U.S.A
Urban Population
USA
Victimization
Victims
Violence
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Summary:The impact of maternal victimization on the behavioral, social, emotional, and cognitive development in a group of 206 low-income, predominantly African American children from inner city, pediatric primary health care clinics was explored using mother, teacher, and self-report data. Results revealed that mothers with a victimization history reported more externalizing and internalizing behaviors in their children, compared to mothers who had not been victimized. Maternal victimization history was not related to teachers' ratings of children's behavior, child reports of social competence and depression, or standardized assessments of cognitive development. The relation between mothers' history of victimization and their reports of internalizing and externalizing behavior problems in their children was mediated by pathways through maternal depression and disciplinary practices (verbal aggression). These findings provide evidence for the link between maternal victimization and children's behavior problems. Treatment for victimized mothers that reduces their depressive symptoms and promotes adaptive parenting practices may lead to fewer behavior problems in their children. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:0885-7482
1573-2851
DOI:10.1023/A:1021401414414