Family violence and child adjustment: a comparative analysis of girls' and boys' behavioral symptoms

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.