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.
Abstract Teaser