title: Family violence and child adjustment: a comparative analysis of girls' and boys' behavioral symptoms.
abstract: The authors compared behavior problems and social competence in 126 boys and girls (age 6-11) from violent and nonviolent families, on the basis of maternal ratings on the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist. Girls from violent families were reported as showing more internalizing behavior problems and a lower level of social competence than their nonviolent comparison group. Boys from violent families were reported as demonstrating both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems, in addition to having a lower level of social competence. For boys, the level of exposure to violence between parents was significantly associated with greater adjustment problems.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012737:Sex Factors; D012917:Social Adjustment; D013179:Spouse Abuse / Q000523:psychology; D014754:Violence