Strong family bonds improve negative effects of domestic violence

Youth exposed to domestic violence between parents or caregivers but who also reported strong family bonds had better anxiety and self-esteem outcomes compared with those who were exposed to domestic violence and did not have strong family ties.

“Research has previously shown that strong social bonds can act as a beneficial psychological resource, especially in times of need. In this study we investigated whether family bonds could help the self-esteem and anxiety of young people who had been exposed to domestic violence between their parents or caregivers whilst growing up,” study researcher Catherine Naughton, MSc, a PhD student at the University of Limerick, Ireland, said in a press release.

Study participants, aged 17 to 25 years, completed online surveys that assessed their experiences of parental and/or caregiver domestic violence, family bonds and psychological well-being. Of the 465 participants, 70% were female.

Analysis indicated associations between exposure to parental/caregiver domestic violence and lower self-esteem, increased anxiety and weaker family bonds.

Strong family bonds had a protective effect; some study participants who were exposed to domestic violence and reported strong family bonds showed increased self-esteem and reduced anxiety. This protective effect occurred when domestic violence between parents/caregivers was physical or psychological.

“Although strong family bonds can help raise self-esteem and reduce anxiety for some young people who grow up in homes affected by domestic violence, sadly, the majority are likely to report weak family bonds. Therefore they are unable to benefit from the psychological benefits strong family bonds provide,” Naughton said in the release. “The first consideration when dealing with victims of domestic violence (including children) should be their physical and psychological safety. That said, given the secrecy that surrounds domestic violence, it is important that parents, the extended family and service providers understand the protective effects that strong family bonds can have. This way they can encourage young people affected to maintain the inherent sense of belonging within the extended family which, ultimately, can provide positive psychological support.” – by Amanda Oldt

Disclosure: Healio.com/Psychiatry was unable to confirm relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.

Reference:

Naughton C, et al. Family identification: a protective factor for young adults who grew up in homes affected by domestic violence. Presented at: British Psychological Society’s Psychology of Women Section’s Annual Conference; July 8-10, 2015; Windsor, England.