NCJ Number
168297
Date Published
1997
Length
20 pages
Annotation
Because the negative impact on children exposed to spouse abuse is well-documented but little empirical research is available to guide clinical interventions, a brief review of the research literature describing these detrimental influences on children's adjustment is presented.
Abstract
Very little outcome research has been conducted with battered women and their children, with informal evaluations of group interventions being the sole exception. Factors that mediate the consequences for children exposed to spouse abuse include child-related factors and situational/contextual factors. Several theoretical/conceptual models have been proposed to assist in understanding how spouse abuse affects the psychological and emotional functioning of children. These models suggest both direct and indirect mechanisms of influence. Recommendations regarding clinical interventions are delineated, based on the models and the available literature on the treatment of children of battered women. Suggestions related to appropriate types of treatment, including symptom- and mechanism-specific interventions, are offered. 73 references and 3 tables