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Family Conflict and Childhood Aggression: The Role of Child Anxiety

NCJ Number
235073
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 25 Issue: 11 Dated: November 2010 Pages: 2127-2143
Author(s)
Akiho Tanaka; Natoshia Raishevich; Angela Scarpa
Date Published
November 2010
Length
27 pages
Annotation
This study examined the role of anxiety in moderating the relationship between family conflict and childhood aggression.
Abstract
Family conflict and childhood anxiety has been implicated in the development of aggressive behaviors, but the nature of these relationships has not been fully explored. Thus, the present study examined the role of anxiety in moderating the relationship between family conflict and childhood aggression in 50 children aged 7 to 13 years. Specifically, the study proposed that family conflict would be positively related to aggression in the context of higher levels of child anxiety. Parents completed self-report instruments examining family conflict and aggressive behavior exhibited by their children. Children completed a self-report measure of anxiety. The hypothesis was partially supported as family conflict was related to increased proactive but not reactive aggression in children with high levels of anxiety. Implications of these findings are discussed. (Published Abstract)