THE EFFECTS OF VIOLENCE IN THE HOME ON CHILDRENS EMOTIONAL, BEHAVIORAL, AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONING - A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Violence is a pervasive force in the lives of children in the United S tates; too often children have been victims of violence or witnesses t o violence in their own homes. Although there is broad acknowledgment that these children are at risk for psychological, behavioral, and soc ial maladjustment, the empirical basis for this has not always been re cognized. This article provides a review and summary of the empirical research literature related to the question What effects does violence in the home have on children's emotional, behavioral, and social func tioning! The evidence from these studies appears to support the conclu sion that children who are victims or witnesses to violence in the hom e are at risk for experiencing both behavioral and emotional problems and somewhat at risk for impaired social functioning. Findings from ex perimental research are discussed in the context of additional data so urces and considerations for future research.