Date Approved
4-24-2001
Embargo Period
6-2-2016
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.A. in Applied Psychology
Department
Psychology
College
College of Science & Mathematics
Advisor
Frisone, John D.
Subject(s)
Children of abused wives; Children of alcoholics; Drug abuse; Victims of family violence
Disciplines
Psychology
Abstract
Both domestic violence and parental substance abuse are risk factors for childhood developmental delays and emotional problems. The purpose of this study is to determine if child witnesses of domestic violence exhibit greater levels of emotional problems when substance abuse is present in the household, and to determine how both groups of children respond to therapeutic intervention targeting these problems. The results indicate that child witnesses of domestic violence exhibit a greater level of behavioral and emotional problems when alcohol and drug abuse is also a factor. Following treatment both groups show a greater reduction in behavioral and emotional pathology than does the control group. Children from substance abusing households show the greatest degree of improvement.
Recommended Citation
DeStefano, Katherine R., "The effects of household substance abuse on the behavioral and emotional outcomes of child witnesses to domestic violence" (2001). Theses and Dissertations. 1563.
https://rdw.rowan.edu/etd/1563
