Citation

Margolin G, Vickerman KA. Prof. Psychol. Res. Pr. 2007; 38(6): 613-619.

Affiliation

University of Southern California.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2007, American Psychological Association)

DOI

10.1037/0735-7028.38.6.613

PMID

20107623

PMCID

PMC2811337

Abstract

Exposure to child physical abuse and parents' domestic violence can subject youth to pervasive traumatic stress and lead to Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The often repeating and ongoing nature of family violence exposure may result in youth exhibiting problems in multiple domains of functioning and meeting criteria for multiple disorders in addition to PTSD. These characteristics as well as unique factors related to children's developmental level and symptom presentation complicate a PTSD diagnosis. This paper describes evolving conceptualizations in the burgeoning field of trauma related to family violence exposure, and reviews considerations that inform assessment and treatment planning for this population.

Language: en