Behavioral problems in the children of women who are victims of intimate partner violence

Abstract

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between the maternal experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) and children's behavioral problems. Sample:The secondary data of the National Survey on Women's Health and Life Experience, which included 980 Cambodian children aged 6-12 years whose mothers responded to questions, were analyzed.Measurements: IPV was measured as any experience of physical or sexual violence against a woman by her husband. The children's behavioral problems were indicated by nightmares, bed-wetting, timidity, and aggressive behavior as reported by their mothers. Results:The children of the women who had experienced sexual violence had a higher prevalence of nightmares (adjusted OR (aOR) = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.421-3.470), bedwetting (aOR = 2.15, 95% CI: 1.398−3.308), and timidity (aOR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.075-3.019) than those without reported IPV. The children of mothers who had experienced physical violence had a higher rate of aggression (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.321-3.630). Conclusion:The Cambodian children exposed to IPV against their mothers experienced more behavioral problems. This study presents evidence to support changes in current policy to prevent violence and alleviate behavioral problems.

Factors and consequences associated with intimate partner violence against women in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

“…These individuals often experience considerable suffering as well as many physical, emotional, and social difficulties. As well as being destructive and difficult to deal with for adults, IPV also poses challenges to children, resulting in developmental problems [24,43], psychological problems (nightmares, bedwetting, timidity, fetal distress), behavioural problems [28] and even fetal deaths after being exposed to IPV by their mothers [41,43]. The impacts of IPV on children can last into adulthood, perpetuating the cycle of violence.…”

“…A total of twenty-one studies were rated as good, while nine studies were rated as fair, and two studies were rated as poor (Table 1). The works by Pahn and Yang [28] and Memiah, Ah Mu [36] received a "poor" rating due to several unmet criteria on the NIH Quality Assessment Tool. The major shortcomings of these two studies were their inability to specify and define the population correctly, and their failure to report participation rate, sample size justification, and assessor blinding status due to inherent cross-sectional design limitations.…”

“…The relationship between IPV and child development was not mediated by maternal depression or alcohol consumption [21]. Using data from the National Survey on Cambodian women's health and life experience, Pahn and Yang [28] found that children with mothers who experienced IPV experienced nightmares, bedwetting, and timidity at a higher rate than those without that experience. Moreover, children whose mothers experienced physical violence had a higher rate of aggression.…”

How Diet Impacts the Relationship between Intimate Partner Aggression and Child Conduct Problems

“…Furthermore, children who are in households with violence are more likely to have negative outcomes, especially in relation to development. Specifically, children exposed to IPA are more likely to display CP compared to children who are not (Bowen, 2017;Evans et al, 2008;Fong et al, 2019;Gustafsson et al, 2014;Harper et al, 2018;Holmes et al, 2015;Holt et al, 2008;Izaguirre & Calvete, 2015;Jouriles et al, 2014;Pahn & Yang, 2021;Rosser-Limiñana et al, 2020;Skinner et al, 2019). Exposure to violence can negatively impact numerous areas of development, including neurological and cognitive development, as well as social and behavioural development (Fong et al, 2019;Holmes, 2013;Holt et al, 2008;Laurenzi et al, 2020;Skinner et al, 2019;Wolfe et al, 2003).…”

“…Research has investigated what factors may contribute to both the emergence and persistence of CP in children. A number of systematic reviews and meta-analyses have DIET, AGGRESSION & CHILD CONDUCT PROBLEMS -INTRODUCTION outlined that children who are exposed to IPA are at a greater risk of developing behavioural problems, such as externalising and internalising behaviour (Evans et al, 2008;Fong et al, 2019;Harper et al, 2018;Holmes, 2013;Holt et al, 2008;Izaguirre & Calvete, 2015;Jouriles et al, 2014;Pahn & Yang, 2021;Rosser-Limiñana et al, 2020;Wolfe et al, 2003).…”