A Recurring Cycle from Optimism to Hopelessness and the Exploration of Current Treatments for Youth-to-Parent Aggression

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Issue Date
2023-08-01
Authors
Schirrmacher, Meagan
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The prevalence of youth-to-parent aggression is increasing all over the world, however this complex phenomenon remains misunderstood by professionals, resulting in stigmatization and shame in parents and a lack of evidence-based treatment programs. Using attachment and social learning theories, the author examined existing literature to discern the current available treatment programs for youth-to-parent aggression from the mental health, youth criminal justice, and social services systems. The findings suggest that there are treatment programs that are currently being tested for youth-to-parent violence, primarily the Early Intervention for Youth to Parent Aggression program, however most programs are not considered evidence based and lack protocolization. Additionally, the different systems from which a youth is referred impact the goals of the program, with the youth criminal justice programs often aiming to reduce recidivism as opposed to all systems aiming to reduce youth-to-parent aggression as an outcome. However, the inclusion of the family and especially a supportive environment for the parents, as well as motivation to complete the program are both determined to be linked to program outcomes. The literature reveals gaps in geographical location, with much of the current research being done in Spain or Europe, issues of lack of representation of gender diverse youth, and issues related to the diffuse definitions and conceptualizations of this specific kind of family violence.
Description
Keywords
youth to parent aggression , youth family violence , mental health , youth aggression , youth , treatment program
License
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United States , openAccess
Citation