Impact of Domestic Violence on Destructive Tendencies in Children

This research examines the impact of domestic violence on children’s personality development, specifically focusing on destructive tendencies in children aged 5 to 7, a critical period for personality formation. The study hypothesizes that children exposed to domestic violence exhibit more destructive tendencies, including aggression, anxiety, and negative attitudes toward parents, compared to those from non-violent families. The research methods combine an interdisciplinary approach, utilizing projective tests (Cactus, Rene Gilles, and Children’s Apperception Test), verbal descriptions, and experimental situations. The study compares two groups: a Study Group of 10 children from crisis centers and a Control Group. Using mathematical-statistical methods, including Student’s t-test, the research finds significant differences in aggression, anxiety, deprivation, and distrust between the groups. Children from violent environments show higher levels of these tendencies. These findings underline the need for intervention and preventive measures to address and reduce aggressive behaviors in children exposed to domestic violence.