Graduate Program

Clinical Psychology

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

2001

Thesis Director

Anu Sharma

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the negative long-term outcomes of parental verbal aggression in childhood. It also examined the roles of problem-solving coping skills, family cohesion, and a parental emotional bond as moderators of negative psychological outcomes. Sixty-four-male and169 female university students were recruited from psychology courses and completed a demographic questionnaire, measures of physical maltreatment, psychological maltreatment, family cohesion, parental emotional bonding, and use of coping strategies. Psychological adjustment was assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Aggression Questionnaire, and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems. Results indicated that individuals reporting greater verbal aggression histories showed higher levels of psychological maladjustment, that is, greater depression, low self-esteem, aggression, and interpersonal sensitivity. However, as expected, it was found that the relationship between verbal aggression and its outcomes was moderated by protective factors. Results of regression analyses indicated that the protective factors, especially family cohesion were better predictors of adult positive adjustment than verbal aggression history. Also, gender differences were found for the above relationships. Women were more likely to be vulnerable to verbal aggression despite the same levels of overall adjustment and protective factors as men. Furthermore, for women maternal emotional bond and family cohesion were consistently important factors in preventing detrimental outcomes; for men, in contrast, paternal emotional bond, coping skills, and family cohesion played an important role in psychological adjustment. Suggestions for future research and treatment implications are also discussed.

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