Witnessing Violence Among Inner-city Children of Substance-Abusing and Non–Substance-Abusing Women

Abstract

More than half of the 6-year-old inner-city children in the present study witnessed some form of violence. Witnessing violence was associated with more behavioral problems and higher stress scores as assessed through maternal report. Subsequent research should examine the long-term effects of this exposure to violence among young children.

Child and family factors associated with teacher‐reported behavior problems in young children of substance abusers

“…This is consistent with the broader literature on family conflict in other popula-tions of children and adolescents (Fitzgerald et al, 2006;McKelvey et al, 2011;Schwab-Stone et al, 1999). Similarly, it is consistent with findings from studies including COSAs, which have documented a connection between exposure and conflict, violence and crime (although not necessarily within the family), and child psychosocial outcomes (Eiden, 1999;Schuler & Nair, 2001). It is not surprising that having been removed from the home and placed in foster care was associated with elevated problem behaviors.…”

“…Likewise, there is a well‐documented connection between substance use and conflict such as interpersonal aggression, including intimate partner violence (Chermack & Blow, ), making it likely that COSAs are at increased risk for exposure to family conflict (Conners‐Burrow, Johnson & Whiteside‐Mansell, ). Such exposure to conflict and violence has been demonstrated to be an important risk factor for children's mental health and behavior problems (McKelvey et al., ; Schwab‐Stone et al., ), including among COSAs (Eiden, ; Schuler & Nair, ).…”

The effect of exposure to community violence on levels of aggression: Evidence from a sample of Jamaican children

“…Moreover, research seems to suggest that the origins of antisocial behaviour can be seen at a very early stage. Schuler and Nair (2001) conducted research among 6-year-olds, and found a higher level of behavioural issues, one of which was aggression, among those who had witnessed violence. Those exposed to violence also revealed higher stress scores on the Children’s Response to Stress Inventory.…”

Maternal Mental Health and Children’s Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors: Beyond Maternal Substance Use Disorders

“…Also, neglect of children in terms of lack of regard for child safety and hygiene has been cited as a common consequence of SUDs among mothers (Kroll & Taylor, 2013), which has resulted in proportionally more children from mothers with SUDs being removed from maternal care than mothers with other psychiatric disorders (Gregoire & Schultz, 2001; McGlade, Ware, & Crawford, 2009). Additionally, children of mothers with SUDs are more often exposed to violence and crime exposure in and outside of the home (Shuler & Nair, 2001), also adding to cumulative risks for future developmental problems. Given the unique pathways by which maternal substance use may increase risk of behavior and emotional problems in children, it is necessary to pinpoint the patterns of risk that lead to more problematic behavioral and emotional problems in children.…”