Evaluating an Intergenerational Model to Explain the Path From Violence Against Mothers to Child Behavior and Academic Outcomes
Abstract
An intergenerational model to explain the long-term effect of partner violence against mothers on child behavior was evaluated 48 months after 278 mothers first sought safe shelter or justice services. Twelve percent reported recent abuse, and six mothers reported severe or extreme danger. Self-efficacy (−.58, p < .05), social support (−28, p < .05), and financial support (−.25) were inversely associated with mental health concerns. Higher maternal mental health concerns (.55, p < .05) and child witnessing abuse (.70, p < .05) were associated with child behavioral problems. Child behavioral problems were inversely associated with child academic functioning (−.22, p < .05). To improve child outcomes, interventions that establish safety for mothers and children and promote maternal mental health are needed.
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The mental health and safety of mothers is critical to their own well-being and functioning, effectiveness of parenting, and ability to contribute to society.
“These findings are important given that the mental health and safety of mothers is critical to their own well-being and functioning, effectiveness of parenting, and ability to contribute to society [68–70].”
From Longitudinal impacts of an online safety and health intervention for women experiencing intimate partner violence: randomized controlled trial (2020) · cites this paper as [68]
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- Authors
- Symes, L., McFarlane, J., Maddoux, J., & Fredland, N.
- Affiliations
- Texas Woman's University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Symes, Lene
- Venue
- Violence Against Women
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2019-04-29
- Volume
- 26
- Issue
- 6-7
- Pages
- 730-749
- ISSN
- 1077-8012 (ISSN-L)
- 1552-8448
- OpenAlex
- W2942889425
- Cited by
- 10
- References
- 69
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1 · 2025: 3 · 2022: 1 · 2021: 3 · 2020: 2
- FWCI
- 1.46
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Violence Against Women (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- houston endowment
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Health › Intimate Partner and Family Violence
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Child Abuse and Trauma
- Social Sciences › Demography › Family Dynamics and Relationships
- Keywords
- intimate partner violence, violence against mothers, intergenerational effects, child behavior problems, maternal mental health, self-efficacy, social support, financial support, domestic violence intervention
- MeSH terms
- Intimate Partner Violence, Exposure to Violence, Academic Performance, Adolescent, Adult, Child, Child Behavior, Child Behavior Disorders, Female, Humans, Male, Mental Health, Models, Theoretical, Mother-Child Relations, Mothers, Social Support, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic, Violence, Self Efficacy
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