Understanding the Intergenerational Transmission of Violence: From Pregnancy Through the First Year of Life

摘要

The purpose of this grant was to begin a longitudinal study to examine the effects of witnessing and experiencing domestic violence on infants and their mothers. This study was unique in that it was a prospective design that: (1) studied domestic violence at the earliest point I at which it might affect a child--in utero and (2) elucidated the mechanisms by which violence is transmitted intergenerationally by examining three mediating variables: parenting behavior, maternal physical health, and maternal mental health. Data collection began during the last trimester of the womans pregnancy and followed her and her infant throughout the first year of the infants life.