Effects of Abuse Within Violence Exposed Youth: Desensitization or Masked Effects?

The current study examined the differences in presentation of psychopathology following varying types of maltreatment, including the witnessing of intimate partner violence. Families recruited from a community mental health center specializing in child trauma were asked to complete questionnaires related to multiple realms of psychosocial functioning. Results indicated that the presence of sexual abuse significantly impacted the development of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children; however, this was not observed following other types of trauma. Analyses also revealed significant mediative relationships with respect to family variables. Although findings supported the original hypothesis, it was proposed that, rather than desensitization, these children might be may be explained by cognitive dissonance. More research needs to examine these findings.