The role of direct and indirect domestic violence exposure on development aggressive behavior in youth

• In Event: Emerging Issues in Gender-Based Violence

Abstract

Exposure to violence is an established risk factor associated with elevated externalization and the related negative developmental trajectories. In the home, child maltreatment, including neglect, as well as physical and psychological aggression, has consistently been associated with elevated aggressive and externalizing behavior in children and youth.
In Romania, the number of cases of domestic violence increase every year. During the first four months of 2024, the number of domestic violence crimes increased by 3.5% compared to the same period in 2023.
The objective of this study was to examine the relation of direct and indirect exposure to domestic violence and development of aggressive behavior of youths. A sample of students (n= 163) ages 18-23 were recruited from a middle university in the Western of the Romania. Direct and indirect exposure to violence was assessed using a questionnaire created by the authors and based on the Attitudes Toward Violence Scale and Attitude and Belief Assessments.
These findings extend previous research by demonstrating that exposure to both direct and cross-contextual indirect violence influences externalizing behaviors in youth. Additionally, the findings suggest that community and school environments are both important targets for interventions designed to decrease externalizing behaviors and improve long term outcomes for youth at risk of exposure to violence.

Authors

• Roxana Ungureanu, West University of Timisoara

• Mihaela Alida Tomita, West University of Timisoara