Tussen Geweld en Geborgenheid: De beschermende rol van sensitief opvoedgedrag bij PTSS-symptomen van kinderen die getuige zijn geweest van partnergeweld.

Background: Children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) are at increased risk for developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and externalizing behavior problems. Sensitive parenting behavior has been found to be a protective factor against the negative effects of traumatic experiences; however, empirical evidence regarding its role in the specific context of IPV exposure among young children remains limited. The present study examined the association between maternal sensitive parenting behavior and child PTSD symptoms following exposure to IPV, and whether child externalizing behavior problems moderated this association. Methods: The sample consisted of 39 mother–child dyads residing in domestic violence shelters in the Netherlands, with children aged 12 to 83 months. Child PTSD symptoms and externalizing behavior problems were reported by mothers using standardized questionnaires, and sensitive parenting behavior was assessed through structured...Show moreBackground: Children exposed to intimate partner violence (IPV) are at increased risk for developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and externalizing behavior problems. Sensitive parenting behavior has been found to be a protective factor against the negative effects of traumatic experiences; however, empirical evidence regarding its role in the specific context of IPV exposure among young children remains limited. The present study examined the association between maternal sensitive parenting behavior and child PTSD symptoms following exposure to IPV, and whether child externalizing behavior problems moderated this association. Methods: The sample consisted of 39 mother–child dyads residing in domestic violence shelters in the Netherlands, with children aged 12 to 83 months. Child PTSD symptoms and externalizing behavior problems were reported by mothers using standardized questionnaires, and sensitive parenting behavior was assessed through structured observations of the mother–child interaction, which were coded with the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale. Regression analyses were conducted to examine whether maternal sensitive parenting predicted child PTSD symptoms and whether this relationship was moderated by child externalizing behavior problems. Results: Maternal sensitive parenting behavior was not significantly associated with child PTSD symptoms and child externalizing behavior problems was positively associated with PTSD symptoms. The association between sensitive parenting behavior and child PTSD symptoms was not affected by child externalizing behavior problems. Discussion: The findings suggest that mothers who have experienced IPV demonstrate reduced capacity for sensitive parenting. Interventions aimed at enhancing parenting skills may help mitigate PTSD symptoms in children following exposure to IPV.Show less

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Tussen Geweld en Geborgenheid: De beschermende rol van sensitief opvoedgedrag bij PTSS-symptomen van kinderen die getuige zijn geweest van partnergeweld.