Adolescents exposure to domestic violence and identity development

Abstract

Aim: This study examined the difference in identity development between adolescents exposed to domestic violence and those in non-violent homes, gender differences, as well as the interaction between gender and exposure to domestic violence on identity development of adolescents. Method: Participants consisted of 45 male and 64 female students from the University of Limpopo, whose ages ranged from 15 to 20 years. Adolescents were classified into one of the two domestic violence exposure groups (namely, those from violent homes and nonviolent homes) on the basis of respondents' ratings of their exposure to domestic violence both as witnesses of violence between their parents and direct victims. Their levels of exposure were then compared with identity development. Results: The results indicated that the difference between the two groups of exposure to domestic violence reached a statistical significance on identity development. However, the gender differences in identity development of adolescents exposed to domestic violence and those not exposed did not reach any statistical significance. Again, on the interaction between gender and exposure to domestic violence on identity development, the results revealed no significant or acceptable level of interaction.