ABSTRACT

Objective:

Domestic violence that occurs during childhood might negatively affect both the physical and emotional development of children. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of domestic violence experienced or witnessed during childhood on experiencing depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and aggression in late adolescence.

Method:

Three hundred and four university students were evaluated by using sociodemographic data and domestic violence data forms, Childhood Traumatic Events Scale (CTES), Beck Depression Inventory (BDE), Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSE), and the Buss-Perry Aggression Scale.

Results:

Fifty-two of the cases (17.1%) reported that they were exposed to domestic violence, 90 of the cases (29.6%) reported that they had witnessed domestic violence, and 44 of the cases (14.47%) reported that they had both been exposed to and witnessed domestic violence. While those that were exposed to domestic violence reported that they had experienced more childhood maltreatment, more depressive symptoms, and aggressive emotions, their self-esteem was also signifi cantly lower than those that were not exposed to domestic violence. While there was a signifi cant positive correlation between the total CTES scores, sexual and physical trauma that the individual had been exposed to during childhood, and the depressive symptoms and all types of aggression; there was a signifi cant negative correlation between self-esteem during adulthood and the positive history of any kind of abuse during childhood.

Discussion:

Trauma during childhood is related to experiencing more depressive symptoms, decreased self-esteem, and increased physical and verbal aggression, anger and hostility in adulthood. It seems a necessity to protect children from domestic violence in order to raise more healthy generations.