Childhood precursors of adult interpartner violence.

Abstract

Although childhood exposure to violence in one's family of origin is one of the most consistent correlates of later adult domestic violence, little is known about the developmental pathways or specific mechanisms of in-tergenerational transmission. This article (a) reviews the current knowledge regarding early exposure to domestic violence as precursor of later domestic violence, (b) identifies developmental considerations related to the impact of exposure, and (c) describes several conceptual models of the influence of early exposure. Research on both adults and children is reviewed. Implications for research focus on operational definitions, sex differences, life-span development, relational dynamics, typologies, and mediating processes. Implications for clinical practice focus on early socialization experience in adult treatment, and the development of early prevention programs. Language: en