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Effects of Exposure to Domestic Physical Violence on Children’s Behavior: a Chinese Community-based Sample

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An Erratum to this article was published on 05 May 2016

Abstract

Domestic physical violence (DPV) is common in China due to its long history of slavery and feudalism. This study aimed to examine the effects of exposure to DPV on children’s behavior in a Chinese community. Ninety-three 12- to 16-year-old adolescents exposed to DPV were compared to 54 adolescents with no exposure to DPV. We found that DPV exposure was associated with adverse behaviors in children, especially among boys. Children witnessing DPV alone had similar behavioral scores as the abused children. We recommend that both abused and DPV witness-only adolescents in Chinese communities need treatment to mitigate the effects on maladjusted behaviors. The intervention programs for children who witness domestic violence are also important.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mental Health Institute, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China, 410011

    Yuping Cao, Longfei Li, Xingfu Zhao, Yu Zhang & Yalin Zhang

  2. Jining Mental Hospital of Shandong Province, Jining, China

    Longfei Li

  3. Mental Health Center, Wuxi, China

    Xingfu Zhao

  4. Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China

    Xiaoyun Guo

  5. Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China

    Xingguang Luo

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  1. Yuping Cao
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  2. Longfei Li
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  3. Xingfu Zhao
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  4. Yu Zhang
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  5. Xiaoyun Guo
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  6. Yalin Zhang
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  7. Xingguang Luo
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Correspondence to Yalin Zhang.

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Cao, Y., Li, L., Zhao, X. et al. Effects of Exposure to Domestic Physical Violence on Children’s Behavior: a Chinese Community-based Sample. Journ Child Adol Trauma 9, 127–135 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-016-0092-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40653-016-0092-1

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