Citation

Kitzmann KM, Gaylord NK, Holt AR, Kenny ED. J. Consult. Clin. Psychol. 2003; 71(2): 339-352.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2003, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0022-006X.71.2.339

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This meta-analysis examined 118 studies of the psychosocial outcomes of children exposed to interparental violence. Correlational studies showed a significant association between exposure and child problems (d̄ = -0.29). Group comparison studies showed that witnesses had significantly worse outcomes relative to nonwitnesses (d̄ = -0.40) and children from verbally aggressive homes (d̄ = -0.28), but witnesses' outcomes were not significantly different from those of physically abused children (d̄ = 0.15) or physically abused witnesses (d̄ = 0.13). Several methodological variables moderated these results. Similar effects were found across a range of outcomes, with slight evidence for greater risk among preschoolers. Recommendations for future research are made, taking into account practical and theoretical issues in this area. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)