A Systematic Review of Youth-to-Parent Aggression: Conceptualization, Typologies, and Instruments

Abstract

The goal of this study was to analyze the conceptualization of YPA (youth-to-parent aggression) in relation to terms, definitions, typologies and assessment instruments. To achieve this aim, a systematic review was carried out using the PRISMA protocol. Assessment instruments for YPA were examined in accordance with COSMIN (Consensus-based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments). After reviewing the literature on conceptualization and measuring instruments, some gaps were found. The use of some particular terms was justified depending on the age of children and severity of case. Taking into account the theoretical background, a full definition of YPA was offered. Moreover, this study revealed that it was possible to discriminate four typologies of YPA (Offensive, Defensive, Affective, and Situational) as a function of the coercion level and nature of the violence. Eleven instruments to measure YPA were analyzed exhaustively, with the most reported and robust psychometric properties being internal consistency and structural validity, while other validity evidence was understudied. The CPV-Q (12–25 years) obtained the highest rating as a promising instrument. The initial psychodiagnosis of a YPA situation would help in the individual or family intervention, as well as prevent more severe situations of YPA through early intervention.

Psychosocial Profile of Juvenile and Adult Offenders Who Acknowledge Having Committed Child-to-Parent Violence

“…These consequences apply to both direct and indirect victimization since both of these lead to the belief that the use of violence is justified as a form of conflict resolution of any kind [ 17 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 ]. Previous exposure to violence, as well as the belief that the use of violence is justified, would be able to explain the co-occurrence of CPV and intimate partner violence in adolescents [ 38 , 39 ] and their continued practice over time [ 40 ].…”

The Child-to-Parent Violence Functions Scale (CPV-F): Development and Validation

“…This problem has also contributed to the significant heterogeneity in findings between CPV studies (Simmons et al, 2018). It is essential that 'one off', or situational (Ibabe, 2020), non-problematic incidents of conflict (particularly verbal conflict) are not used to represent CPV, in order to protect the clinical utility of findings for treatment seeking families. In the current study, we ensured participants were experiencing recent, repeated, and substantial violence (i.e., abuse).…”

Evidencing Predictors of Adolescent to Parent Violence Re-Offending Through Linkage of Police and Health Records

“…Within the field of criminology, an extensive body of research has compared cohorts sourced from within the same populations based on offending behavior, offence types, frequency of offending and individual characteristics of the offender (Boxall & Sabol, 2021; Moffitt, 1993). Studies conducting comparisons of adolescents involved in adolescent to parent violence offending are less common, despite evidence suggesting that adolescents who are violent or abusive towards a parent form a heterogeneous group (Ibabe, 2020; Contreras & Cano, 2014). Studies conducted to date have predominantly compared cohorts of adolescent to parent violence offenders based on sex (Simmons et al, 2018).…”

“…Several studies employing justice samples have evidenced differences in the age, health, behavioral and prior offending characteristics of boys and girls involved in adolescent to parent violence (Armstrong et al, 2018; Kennedy et al, 2010; Walsh & Krienert, 2007). Another smaller body of work has explored differences associated with the type of offence committed and the nature of offending (Beckmann et al, 2021; Calvete et al, 2013; Ibabe, 2020; Moulds, Mayshak, et al, 2019). Building the evidence base through conducting comparisons of adolescents involved in adolescent to parent violence may assist in developing a more nuanced understanding of the factors that place adolescents and parents at risk of reoccurring violence.…”