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Experience and Effects of Violence in Infancy (From Children in a Violent Society, P 97-123, 1997, Joy D. Osofsky, ed. -- See NCJ-169092)

NCJ Number
169098
Author(s)
C H Zeanah; M S Scheeringa
Date Published
1997
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This paper advances two major theses: that violence is a major and underappreciated context for infant development and that the violence infants experience has profound developmental and clinical effects, some of which may be lasting.
Abstract
The first part of the chapter considers what is known about the experience of violence in infancy. Although convincing epidemiological data regarding infants' exposure to violence are lacking, the authors draw upon indirect and anecdotal data to call attention to infants' exposure to community, media, and family violence. In response to their experiences of community and family violence, many infants exhibit various kinds of developmental compromises and clinical symptomatology. The authors review what is known about these effects, drawing upon developmental and clinical research. Relatively more data are available to document the effects of family violence on infant development, especially physical abuse. After reviewing these data, the authors suggest associations between certain forms of family violence and specific clinical disorders of infancy. These disorders are illustrated with clinical vignettes. Having suggested that infants do experience violence and are at times profoundly affected by it, the paper concludes with suggestions for directions in future research. 68 references