Developmental timing and continuity of exposure to interparental violence and externalizing behavior as prospective predictors of dating violence

Abstract

This study investigated the prospective pathways of children's exposure to interparental violence (EIPV) in early and middle childhood and externalizing behavior in middle childhood and adolescence as developmental predictors of dating violence perpetration and victimization at ages 23 and 26 years. Participants (N = 168) were drawn from a longitudinal study of low-income families. Path analyses examined whether timing or continuity of EIPV predicted dating violence and whether timing or continuity of externalizing behavior mediated these pathways. Results indicated that EIPV in early childhood directly predicted perpetration and victimization at age 23. There were significant indirect effects from EIPV to dating violence through externalizing behavior in adolescence and life stress at age 23. Independent of EIPV, externalizing behavior in middle childhood also predicted dating violence through externalizing behavior in adolescence and life stress at age 23, but this pathway stemmed from maltreatment. These results highlight that the timing of EIPV and both the timing and continuity of externalizing behavior are critical risks for the intergenerational transmission of dating violence. Findings support a developmental perspective that negative early experiences and children's externalizing behavior are powerful influences for dating violence in early adulthood.

Interparental violence and maternal mood disorders as predictors of adolescent physical aggression within the family

“…Of note, contemporary research has begun to dispel historical notions on gender stereotypes of aggression (man as perpetrator, woman as victim). Recent studies have documented that in many samples, men and women are comparably likely to be both perpetrators and victims of IPV and to disclose experiencing both the perpetrator and victim roles (Ehrensaft, Moffitt, & Caspi, 2004; Moffitt et al, 1997; Narayan et al., 2013). In relationships in which IPV is present, both partners typically have taken part in perpetration (Langer, Lawrence, & Barry, 2008; Moffitt & Caspi, 1999),…”

“…Here, the focus is on physical interpersonal conflict, and particularly, violence and aggression, as it co-occurs with mood disorders. Despite the vast literature on the deleterious effects of aggression and interparental violence (IPV) on children in families without parental psychopathology (Cappell & Heiner, 1990; Moffitt & Caspi, 1999; Narayan, Englund, & Egeland, 2013), very little research has examined how children may be at even greater risk for maladjustment when parents have mood disorders and also use IPV.…”

“…In turn, children exposed to IPV are more likely to use aggression and violence in their own relationships (Davies & Cummings, 1994; Narayan et al, 2013, 2014). Parental modeling of IPV may be particularly salient for adolescent maladjustment if it co-occurs with mood and behavioral dysregulation from parental mood disorders (Beardslee et al, 1998; Goodwin & Jamison, 1990; Muralidharan, Yoo, Ritschel, Simeonova, & Craighead, 2010).…”

Risk, Vulnerability, and Protective Processes of Parental Expressed Emotion for Children's Peer Relationships in Contexts of Parental Violence

“…Extensive research, well-grounded in social learning and developmental-ecological perspectives, indicates that childhood exposure to parental violence (EPV) confers widespread risk for general and interpersonal aggression across impoverished to affluent sociodemographic populations (Bandura, 1973; Margolin, 2005; Mohr, Lutz, Fantuzzo, & Perry, 2000; Narayan, Englund, Carlson, & Egeland, 2013; Osofsky, 2003; Straus, Gelles, & Smith, 1990). Empirical efforts are still needed, however, to examine the developmental processes, including risk, vulnerability, and protective factors, linking EPV to peer competence (e.g., acceptance) or problems (e.g., victimization) during childhood (Bauer et al, 2006; Bowes et al, 2009; Levendosky, Huth-Bocks, Shapiro, & Semel, 2003; Margolin, 2005; Martinez-Torteya, Bogat, von Eye, & Levendosky, 2009).…”

“…A risk factor indicates an elevated possibility for a specified negative outcome, often representing a direct threat to adaptive function or development of the individual regardless of the context in which it occurs (Masten, 2007; Sameroff, 2000). Evidence suggests that children's exposure to violence is a risk factor because it often is associated with worse function across numerous contexts, although the extent of impairment may vary with the characteristics of exposure (Margolin, 2005; Narayan, Englund, & Egeland, 2013). In contrast, a vulnerability factor is a moderator of risk, exacerbating maladaptation in the presence of a risk factor or other conditions of adversity (Luthar, 2006; Wright et al, 2013).…”