Mental Health and Violence in the Family: An Integrated Theory
Advisor Information
Pete Simi
Location
UNO Criss Library, Room 107
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Start Date
7-3-2014 1:00 PM
End Date
7-3-2014 1:15 PM
Abstract
Little is known about the unique victimization experience among the parents and siblings of a violent and mentally ill family member. Although victimization research provides substantial insight, most of the familial violence research is in the scope of child abuse and neglect, interpersonal violence, and spousal abuse. Also, the modern theoretical explanations of victimization (e.g., cultural trappings and cultural norms of violence, victim precipitation, and routine activities) do not address the victimization experience within the family, specifically for the siblings and parents of a mentally ill family member. Likewise, the typologies and classification systems used in victimization theory do not address the unique needs of these family members. Drawing upon Tittle's (1995) theory integration techniques and family systems theory, the present study will formulate a theory of family victimization in which the central premise is that the victimization experience is different for victims when the offender is a mentally ill family member. The research is guided by the following questions: What type of social-psychological strategies do individuals develop to cope with a violent and mentally ill relative? More specifically, how do parents and siblings process the experience of victimization?
Mental Health and Violence in the Family: An Integrated Theory
UNO Criss Library, Room 107
Little is known about the unique victimization experience among the parents and siblings of a violent and mentally ill family member. Although victimization research provides substantial insight, most of the familial violence research is in the scope of child abuse and neglect, interpersonal violence, and spousal abuse. Also, the modern theoretical explanations of victimization (e.g., cultural trappings and cultural norms of violence, victim precipitation, and routine activities) do not address the victimization experience within the family, specifically for the siblings and parents of a mentally ill family member. Likewise, the typologies and classification systems used in victimization theory do not address the unique needs of these family members. Drawing upon Tittle's (1995) theory integration techniques and family systems theory, the present study will formulate a theory of family victimization in which the central premise is that the victimization experience is different for victims when the offender is a mentally ill family member. The research is guided by the following questions: What type of social-psychological strategies do individuals develop to cope with a violent and mentally ill relative? More specifically, how do parents and siblings process the experience of victimization?