Adolescent peer relationships and mental health functioning in families with domestic violence.
Examined the impact of domestic violence, child abuse, and attachment style on adolescent mental health and relationship functioning. Data were collected on 111 adolescents, ages 14 to 16, and their mothers. Results indicate that both attachment and family violence experiences negatively impact mental health. In addition, family violence significantly predicted attachment style. Significant protective and vulnerability factors included maternal psychological functioning, maternal positive parenting, and perceived social support from friends. However, findings provided only limited support for the model of attachment as a mediator of the impact of family violence on adolescent relationships.
Levendosky
Alytia A
AA
Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 129 Psychology Research Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA. levendo1@msu.edu
Huth-Bocks
Alissa
A
Semel
Michael A
MA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002649:Child Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017579:Domestic Violence; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008425:Maternal Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D009769:Object Attachment; D016487:Parenting; D010379:Peer Group; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires