تجارب مادران از سوء استفاده در دوران کودکی و خشونت خانگی: آسیب شناسی روانی و اختلال عملکردی در کودکان و نوجوانان بالینی

Objectives The current study examined the independent effects of mothers’ childhood abuse (CA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) on psychopathology and functional impairment in children; and the potential moderating and mediating role of individual and family factors in these relationships. Additionally, this study explored the potential cumulative effects of both maternal CA and IPV on children's outcomes. Method The sample included 547 Spanish children and adolescents aged between 8 and 17 years, and their parents, who had accessed mental health services. The assessment was based on structured interviews with the children and their parents. Statistical analyses were carried out through hierarchical multiple, negative-binomial and logistic regressions, and Structural Equation Models. Results Children whose mothers experienced CA and those whose mothers suffered physical IPV showed increased DSM-IV disruptive disorders and externalizing behavior problems, respectively. Children who directly observed physical IPV and also suffered physical punishment by parents showed increased internalizing problems. IPV had effects, either direct or indirect by physical punishment, on children's externalizing problems. Cumulative effect analyses indicated that the prevalence of disruptive disorders was highest in children whose mothers had suffered both CA and IPV. Conclusion Spanish children whose mothers have suffered CA, IPV or both, are at high risk of serious conduct problems, whereas children exposed to IPV and who were also physically abused are at greater risk of internalizing problems. Physical punishment of children contributes in part to explain externalizing problems of IPV-exposed children. These findings indicate potential targets of assessment and intervention for families seeking help in mental health services.

Childhood abuse experienced by mothers (CA) and intimate partner violence (IPV) have been significantly linked to poorer outcomes in children (Collishaw et al., 2007 and Holt et al., 2008). Most research has separately examined children whose mothers suffered CA or IPV (Kitzmann et al., 2003, Roberts et al., 2004 and Wolfe et al., 2003). Examining the independent effects of CA and IPV can offer a detailed report on the possible risk to children's psychopathology. In this field, there has been growing interest in examining the impact of maternal lifetime violence on the mental health problems in children (Koverola et al., 2005 and Morrel et al., 2003), with recent research suggesting that cumulative maternal violence experiences can adversely affect psychological outcomes in children (Dubowitz et al., 2001).