Exposure to interparental violence in childhood and psychosocial adjustment in young adulthood Fergusson, D.M. (David Murray); Horwood, Leonard John
Material type:
- 0145-2134
Child Abuse & Neglect 22(5) May 1998 : 339-357
This study explored the relationships between exposure to parental violence during childhood and psychosocial adjustment in young adulthood. The data was drawn from an 18-year longitudinal study of a birth cohort with 1,025 participants responding. At 18 years of age, information was gathered from participants regarding their exposure to interparental violence, and an assessment was made of each individual's psychosocial adjustment. This included looking at participants' mental wellbeing, substance abuse and criminal offending. Factors such as family socioeconomic background, family functioning, and experience of child abuse were also collected. Results show that young people who reported to have a high level of exposure to interparental violence had increased adjustment problems. Different types of adjustment problems are identified for participants who were exposed to mother initiated violence more than father initiated violence. The authors conclude that children exposed to high levels of interparental violence are at risk of experiencing adjustment difficulties.