Systematic review on the psychological impact of exposure to domestic violence in adolescents

Abstract

The objective of this systematic review is to analyze the available scientific evidence on the psychological impact of exposure to domestic violence on adolescents, considering its emotional, cognitive, and behavioral effects. To this end, an exhaustive search was conducted in databases such as Scielo, Redalyc, and Dialnet, selecting studies published in the last fifteen years that addressed this issue in the adolescent population. Fifteen studies were included, which show that exposure to domestic violence, either as a direct victim or witness, is associated with the presence of symptoms of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, impulsivity, aggressiveness, school difficulties, social isolation, substance use, and suicidal ideation. Likewise, it was identified that dysfunctional parenting styles, lack of communication, and a hostile family environment act as factors that aggravate these consequences, favoring the reproduction of learned violent patterns. In conclusion, domestic violence represents a significant risk factor for the mental health of adolescents, highlighting the need to implement prevention, early detection, and psychological intervention programs that promote healthy family environments and adequate emotional development during this stage.