Parental Violence Affects Kids' Mental Health
Kids exposed to parental violence nearly five times more likely to be violent at home as adults.
Children whose parents treat each other violently are more likely to have mental difficulties as adults finds a study from the National Institute of Health and Medical Research in Paris, France, reports Science Daily.
When researchers carried out in-person interviews with more than 3,000 adults they measured intimate partner violence, violence against children, lifetime suicide attempts and current level of depression.
Participants were also surveyed about any parental separation, divorce and death as well as alcoholism, financial stress and abuse they might have experienced during childhood.
After making adjustments for family and social stress factors, researchers found that adults who were exposed to parental violence were nearly five times more likely to mistreat their own child and three times more likely to be involved in conjugal violence. Additionally, they were 1.4 times more likely to develop depression. Of the group of participants surveyed, 16% had witnessed parental violence in their home growing up.Abusive Relationships
The findings appear in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. This information may be used in the future to better screen, and more importantly, prevent episodes of domestic violence before they begin by identifying those adults who may be most at risk for carrying out violent behavior in the home.
Discussion
Yes, violence and and dysfunction usually beget the same. Parents and family are the complete role models for children, particularly in their youngest years of life. What they are exposed to is what they feel is the 'norm' in behaviour. It also causes them to NOT to develop sucessful coping skills and problem solving skills, because none are exhibited.
As the children are exposed to more functional units of society-their own self identity in comparison casues them low self esteem which begins a host of additional problems.
But it needn't be. With proper counseling to identify the emotional affects of dysfunctional exposures, AND continued exposure to more healthier role models, the effects can be combated. Unfortunately, without counseling and identifying the problems, many children seek and identify with others that experience the same dysfunctions-completely subconsiously. This of course only compounds and re-instills such behaviours.
I believe basic psychology or classes in 'interpersonal relationship skills' to identify dysfunctions and their origins(many children have NO idea) and present healthier ways to deal with and ENJOY life should be a VERY important part of elementary and H.S. curriculums. The earlier such challanges are dealt with- the easier they are to be overcome. Such an approach is as important as many of the basic skills taught in school to enable children to become happy and productive member of society. Without it-the spiral continues. Mommy and Daddy most often were raised with the same dysfunctions only to pass them on to their children-without even being fully aware of it.
The single-most effective tool is association with good role models
Tried to be breif but really don't find that to be purposeful in this case. I'd just like to add something more.
Bullying, sexual promiscuity,drug experimentation and a host of other school problems-often leading to early H.S. dropout rates, are often a direct result of dysfunctional children who come from dysfunctional families. Most all school systems treat them punitively as 'disciplinary problems' which does not get to the root of the problem at all. At best, Some may be addressed on an individual basis through the guidance office. MOST ALL families have varying degrees of dysfunction. There are not many (if any) June and Ward Cleavers out there.
Teaching Psychology and or "Interpersonal Relationship Skills" as a part of any school curriculum would really address many of the schools "behavioral problems" AND would lead to happpier,healthier more productive students and school systems. As Barney would say to Andy-"You've got to NIP it in the bud Andy. Nip it in the bud". Address this to your local school board.
My parents would always fight when I was younger (still do). Due to my Dad's drinking, cheating and abuse problems. (They got married when I was 3 and divorced a little after I was 5) I do find myself to be a bit more mean and abusive than others, but I know why, and I do my best to control it. I hated the way it made me feel, I dont want to influence or make anyone I know around me experience it.
