Domestic Violence Influence on Psychological Distress among Institutionalized Adolescents
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Date
2017
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Publisher
International Journal of Research in Economics and Social Sciences
Abstract
This study examined domestic violence influence on psychological distress among inmates of
correctional facilities in Lagos. A total of 300 remand adolescents made up of 150 males and 150
females were purposively selected and responded to Child Exposure to Domestic Violence Scale
(CEDV), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and Frequency of Delinquent Behaviour Scaling
Instrument (FDBSI). Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences
(SPSS).Descriptive statistics (frequency count and percentages) were used to describe participants’
demographic characteristics, while inferential statistics (t-test of independent variables, ONE WAY
Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Pearson Moment Correlation Analysis and simple linear regression
analysis) were used to test the hypotheses. Prevalence of antisocial behaviour ranged from 73%
(disruptive behaviour) to 97% (general anti-social behaviour). Prevalence of psychopathology was
58.7%. A significant positive correlation between domestic violence and the level of psychopathology
was reported by the participants. Domestic violence independently predicted anti-social behaviour
among the sample. Gender has significant influence on anti-social behaviour. Females reported
higher mean scores than their male counterparts in vandalism, theft, truancy, disruptive behaviour,
general anti-social behaviour and psychological distress. Family size significantly influenced
psychological distress. No significant family size influence was observed on antisocial behaviour of
the sample. A significant influence of domestic violence on the psychological health of adolescents
was established. Author considered the prevalence of psychopathology and antisocial behaviour
among the participants as abnormally high. Home visit and family therapy, proper implementation
of child right policies, rehabilitation programmes for inmates and further studies are recommended.
Description
Keywords
Domestic violence, Psychological distress, Institutionalized adolescents