Psychosocial Impact of Gender-Based Violence Exposure on Children: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Strengths and Difficulties
Keywords:
Gender-Based Violence, Child Health, Emotional Abuse, Affective Symptoms, Child Behavior, Psychosocial Intervention, Psychological Resilience, MinorsAbstract
Background: Gender-based violence is a global public health issue with profound social, health, and epidemiological implications. This phenomenon severely affects the physical, psychological, and social well-being of women and their families, particularly children exposed to such violence, who are at increased risk of developing emotional, behavioral, and social problems.
Objective: To analyze the psychosocial consequences of gender-based violence exposure to children, focusing on their prosocial strengths as well as their emotional and behavioral difficulties.
Methods: A mixed-methods design was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative assessment was conducted using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, administered to children exposed to Gender-based violence contexts. Qualitative analysis followed a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, exploring mothers’ narratives about the impact of violence on their children. The sample included nine mothers and their children attending the Women’s Unit of Concello de Ames.
Results: Children demonstrated significant prosocial strengths, such as empathy and cooperation (100%), but also exhibited emotional and behavioral difficulties. A total of 66.7% reported physical symptoms associated with stress, such as headaches or nausea, and a similar percentage displayed hyperactivity or inattention. Additionally, 66.7% experienced tantrums and feelings of loneliness, although no severe antisocial behaviors were identified. Qualitative findings highlighted the presence of hypervigilance, anxiety, and parental roles assumed by older siblings.
Conclusion: This exploratory study highlights the multidimensional impact of Gender-based violence exposure on children, who develop prosocial skills as adaptive mechanisms but face significant emotional and behavioral challenges. Interventions should focus on strengthening socioemotional skills, fostering resilience, and addressing the underlying causes of emotional distress. Including caregivers in intervention strategies is essential to ensure a safer and more stable family environment.
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