Intergenerational Transmission of Violence among African American Young Adults: The Role of Relational Schemas and Self-Esteem

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  In Refereed Roundtable (60 min): Table 15: Parental Effects on their Children's Well-Being

Abstract

Experiencing aggression in relationships is common and is associated with many negative consequences. Although it is clear that violence experienced in the family-of-origin is an important predictor of later intimate partner violence, understanding the mechanisms responsible this link remains an important research endeavor. Using longitudinal data from a sample of African American youth, this study examines the impact of early experiences of harsh parenting on relationship aggression and victimization through insecure relational schemas and low self-esteem. Analyses were completed using structural equation modeling methods, multiple group analysis to examine gender effects, as well as bootstrapping methods to examine indirect effects. Results indicated that early experiences of harsh parenting was related to low self-esteem and insecure relationship schemas. Insecure relational schemas were also related to low self-esteem. In turn, low self-esteem was associated with both increased target aggression and victimization. Harsh parenting maintained a direct effect on both aggression and victimization, with indirect effects analysis showing that insecure relational schemas and low self-esteem partially mediated this link. Finally, multiple group analysis results indicated one significant gender difference: low self-esteem had a stronger effect on male victimization. The results have important implications for programs aimed at preventing intimate partner violence.

Author

• Alyssa Lauren Brown, University of Georgia