The Psychological Development of Children Affected by Domestic Violence: An Examination via the Lenses of Resilience and Cognitive Development

Abstract

Domestic violence, or DV, is a significant socioeconomic problem. Children, being the primary recipients of domestic violence, can experience its effects via either direct or indirect means. Directly, domestic violence can cause emotional problems and attention biases in children themselves. DV can also affect the mental health development of children by affecting the psychological condition of the mother. The emotional, psychological, and cognitive development of children can be adversely affected by domestic abuse. And in the long term these effects may persist into old age, causing irreversible damage to individual development, such as emotional issues and attention bias. This study aims to provide a comprehensive description and analysis of domestic violence and traumatic childhood experiences, focusing on their profound influence on the psychological development of children in both the immediate and prolonged periods. Finally, some recommendations for responding to domestic violence of which children are victims. The present study suggests that teenagers can be influenced by DV starts with the children themselves and their families, and that negative effect of DV on children's development will only be reduced by addressing domestic violence at its source.