Profiles of Adolescents who Abuse their Parents: A Gender-based Analysis

Abstract

Adolescent-to-parent violence (APV) is still the most understudied type of domestic violence, although reports filed by victimized parents and youths serving judicial measures for this reason are increasing. The aim of this study is to assess the differential profile of boys and girls who have and have not reported APV in a community sample, following studies showing differences between both genders in initiating and maintaining offending behavior. To this end, each gender was assessed separately in relation to both variables already investigated by research on APV and variables that are relevant for other forms of violence. The sample was composed by 341 high-school students of both genders, aged between 14 to 20 years. They answered a questionnaire including scales on exposure to violence, parent-child relationships, self-concept, psychopathic traits, narcissism, and sexism. They were also asked about drug use, academic performance, family structure, and mental health diagnosis. Data analyses showed that variables that differentiate between youths who reported APV and those who did not were different for boys and girls. Results are discussed suggesting that incorporating a perspective based on gender, that considers differential experiences and psychosocial factors that lead boys and girls to APV, should contribute to designing more conclusive research and more effective interventions.