Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the link between exposure to domestic violence (DV) and the presence of symptoms of anxiety in a population of justice-involved juveniles. The categories of DV were broken down into verbal abuse and physical abuse, along with a third category of juveniles that witnessed both forms of abuse within their households. This study compared the prevalence of anxiety in juveniles when faced with the different instances of DV through the use of data collected from a longitudinal study conducted by the Pathways to Desistance Project. The goal of the study was to further understand how the witnessing of specific forms of DV may result in a higher rate of symptoms of anxiety displayed within juveniles. This study will allow for professionals to better identify sources of anxiety and trends found in juvenile offenders exhibiting such internalized behavior, which may have been as a result of witnessing DV in their pasts. This study may lead to better handling and identification of anxiety disorders and symptoms in children and act as a red flag for potential domestic abuse in the child's household. This study may also allow for a higher likelihood of assistance given to children at a young age in order to prevent the development of behaviors they witness within the household and may reflect in the future.

Thesis Completion

2021

Semester

Spring

Thesis Chair/Advisor

Ray, James V.

Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

College

College of Community Innovation and Education

Department

Criminal Justice

Degree Program

Criminal Justice

Language

English

Access Status

Open Access

Release Date

5-1-2021

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