1. Objectifs

Questions/Hypothèses :
- « Hypothesis: Witnessing of domestic violence and other verbal or behavioural shame-producing experiences - usually perpetrated by fathers or other males in the paternal role -in the formative years of childhood are forms of psychological maltreatment related to delinquency in adolescence and to aggression and violence in adulthood. » (p. 6)
- « Research questions: 1. Does a relationship exist between shaming experiences in childhood and development/diagnosis of borderline personality organisation, anti-social tendency, and other personality and mental disorders associated with delinquency, aggression and violent behaviour later in life? 2. Does a relationship exist between other psychologically abusive treatment in childhood and development/diagnosis of borderline personality organization, anti-social tendency, and other personality and mental disorders associated with delinquency, aggression and violent behaviour in later life? 3. Does a relationship exist between witnessing domestic violence in childhood and development/diagnosis of borderline personality organisation, anti-social tendency, and other personality and mental disorders associated with delinquency, aggression and violent behaviour in later life? » (p. 6)

2. Méthode

Échantillon/Matériau :
- « Abstracts »;
- National Clearing-House on Family Violence and the Health Canada National Library, Ottawa, ON;
- Internet.

Type de traitement des données :
Réflexion critique

3. Résumé

« Psychological maltreatment of children is acknowledged to be a grievous and damaging form of abuse with long lasting, painful, unhappy effects for victims. Shame has been identified as one result of childhood maltreatment. This report reviews some recent literature addressing the causes, nature and consequences of shame created in children through specific types of shaming experiences that occur within their living environments and with significant people in their lives. A link is made between deep-seated shame and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), diagnosed in many children exposed to abuse, traumatic events and chaotic living conditions. Witnessing family violence - mother assault - and other shaming experiences are forms of maltreatment related to PTSD and creation of pathological shame in children. The report concludes by noting a relationship between shaming experiences in childhood and development of a range of personality disorders, character traits and behavioural tendencies frequently found in men who are abusive and violent in relationships with their intimate partners. » (abstract)